New delhi: Bangladesh and India should establish a highly developed border management system to effectively manage and control crimes and criminal activities, facilitating the legal movement of people and goods, according to former Indian diplomat Pankaj Saran. He described the killings along the Bangladesh-India border as “unfortunate.”
According to United News of Bangladesh, Pankaj Saran, Convenor of NatStrat, emphasized the need for honesty from both Bangladesh and Indian authorities to address the ongoing border issues. He noted that numerous protocols and agreements have been made between the border forces and governments to manage the borders effectively.
Pankaj highlighted the illegal economy that thrives around the border, leading to smuggling, weapons, and crimes, which entrap innocent people. He stressed the importance of maintaining a cordial relationship between the border guarding forces and utilizing improved technologies and communication to resolve these issues.
The Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) interact per the Joint India-Bangladesh Guidelines-1975. Ain o Salish Kendra reported that at least 34 Bangladeshis were killed by the BSF in 2025, with many due to shootings and alleged physical torture.
This year, there have been reports of at least five Bangladeshis killed by the BSF, while active cooperation continues among agencies to tackle issues such as illicit drug trafficking and human trafficking. Efforts include border fencing, joint inspection of boundary pillars, and regular DG-level talks for better coordination.
Responding to a question, Pankaj emphasized the need to develop tolerant societies that reject extremist ideologies and prevent terrorist organizations from operating unchecked. Both countries face common threats, including the situation in Myanmar, which poses risks to both India and Bangladesh.
Pankaj also stressed the importance of providing employment and education to the large populations of both countries to prevent them from being misled. He acknowledged the role of intelligence agencies in protecting nations and fostering cooperation between countries, even when diplomatic relations are strained.