Push-ins among other border issues to be discussed at BGB-BSF talks: Home Minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced on Sunday that a wide range of frontier security concerns, including illegal "push-ins," will be on the agenda during an upcoming four-day high-level meeting between the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and India’s Border Security Force (BSF).

The 57th Director General-level border conference is scheduled to take place in New Delhi from June 8 to 11. This marks the first major bilateral dialogue between the two border forces since the new administration assumed office in February.

Addressing journalists at the Secretariat, Minister Ahmed emphasized that the meeting-- a recurring biennial event hosted alternately by both nations-- is a vital platform for addressing bilateral friction. 

"All relevant border issues will be discussed. While our guards remain on high alert to resist any push-in attempts, we believe these matters are best resolved through diplomatic engagement," he stated.

A 15-member Bangladeshi delegation, headed by BGB Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, will travel to the Indian capital for the talks. 

The Indian side will be represented by the BSF Director General, alongside senior officials from India's Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of External Affairs.

The talks are expected to focus on reducing border violence, preventing smuggling, and improving coordination between the two forces to ensure a peaceful and secure frontier. 

Minister Ahmed reaffirmed the government's commitment to diplomatic solutions while maintaining a firm stance on territorial integrity.