Home Minister urges India to prevent border killings

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said he has urged Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh to take necessary measures to ensure that the incidents of ‘border killings’ do not happen in the future.

He made the remarks while talking to reporters at the Home Ministry after a meeting with Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Kumar Verma at the Secretariat on Sunday, March 1.

Salahuddin said, “I told the Indian High Commissioner that we do not want to hear about any more border killings. The BGB and BSF should continue holding meetings on this issue and avoid such incidents as much as possible,” he said.

Responding to a question about the discussions, the minister said border issues were discussed in detail.

The Indian side expressed sincerity and assured that necessary instructions would be given to the relevant agencies, said the home Minister.

When asked about Indian tourist visas, Salahuddin said Indian consulates and visa offices had come under attacks over the past one and a half years, which hampered full-scale visa operations.

They have, however, assured that the visa activities will be resumed gradually, he added.

The minister said the Indian High Commissioner paid a courtesy call as part of ongoing diplomatic engagements following the formation of a new government. “As neighbouring countries, we have trade and business relations with India. The High Commissioner also discussed security aspects,” he said.

Besides, Bangladesh sought cooperation from India on the basis of mutual interest, dignity and benefit, he added.

“We will maintain our relations. We expect India to uphold the relationship on the basis of sovereign equality and mutual respect across all areas, including trade, business and diplomacy,” said the minister.

Source: UNB