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India-Bangladesh Pact Targets Crime, Trafficking

Delegations agreed on sharing real-time information to ensure that incidents of deaths at the border will be brought down to zero with active cooperation from both sides….reports Asian Lite News

Curbing trans-border crimes, human trafficking, and enhanced joint-patrolling were some of the issues discussed at the 54th India-Bangladesh Director General-level border coordination conference from March 5-9 in Dhaka.

While the Indian delegation was led by Nitin Agrawal, Director General of Border Security Force (BSF), the Bangladesh side was headed by Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman from Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).

“Both sides appreciated each other’s concerns and committed to settle border issues amicably through continued, constructive, and positive engagements at all levels,” a statement from the BSF said on Saturday.

They also agreed to implement the decisions of the conference at the ground level “in true spirit” during the talks that are held twice every year — once in India and once in Bangladesh.

On the incidents of assaults/attacks on the BSF personnel by Bangladesh-based trans-border miscreants, both sides agreed to increase coordinated patrols, especially during late night hours to early morning in vulnerable areas, and educate people living on either side of the international border.

Reiterating the need for “synergistic efforts” to uphold human rights and curb violence on the border, both sides agreed to enhance joint patrolling and vigilance, intensifying public awareness programmes and undertaking appropriate socio-economic development initiatives.

They also agreed on sharing real-time information to ensure that incidents of deaths at the border will be brought down to zero with active cooperation from both sides.

Highlighting the importance of the Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) in curbing trans-border crimes, human trafficking, and illegal crossing, both sides agreed to pursue and share real-time information and investigation reports of traffickers (if any).

In addition, they agreed to aid victims of human trafficking and facilitate their rescue and rehabilitation at the earliest as per the law of the land.

Both BSF and BGB have decided to go ahead with six developmental works on the Indian side and the same number on the Bangladesh side.

As a goodwill gesture, BSF agreed to BGB’s proposal of construction for preserving the 18 graves of martyred freedom fighters at Tamabil and Sylhet.

The two sides reiterated their commitments to work jointly to maintain peace and tranquility at the border and provisionally agreed to hold the next DG-level conference in New Delhi at a suitable time in September or October 2024.

The last BSF-BGB conference was held at BSF Camp Chhawala in Delhi from June 11-14, 2023.

ALSO READ: Bangladesh Aims for Local FMD Vaccine Production

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Bangladesh Aims for Local FMD Vaccine Production

The minister said this type of vaccine would be produced locally soon and a decision has been taken to build a research center…reports Asian Lite News

Bangladeshi Fisheries and Livestock Minister Abdur Rahman has said the government has a plan to produce foot and mouth disease (FMD) vaccine for livestock locally as the current local vaccine market for FMD is growing rapidly.

“The government has a plan to produce FMD vaccine for the livestock locally instead of importing,” said the minister during a question-answer session at the National Parliament on Thursday, Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) reported.

The minister said this type of vaccine would be produced locally soon and a decision has been taken to build a research center for manufacturing it, Xinhua news agency reported quoting BSS.

“The FMD is a major challenge for the livestock sector in Bangladesh,” he said, adding that at present the country meets the demand for vaccines mostly by import. “Most animals infected with FMD still remain untreated due to the unavailability of the vaccine.”

Being a home-grown product, he also said, the new vaccine will be more effective and cost-effective than imported ones. “In many cases, imported vaccines have been proved fruitless for the livestock.”

The vaccine is expected to help boost the country’s livestock sector as the disease incurs a loss of 125 million U.S. dollars per year.

He said the price per unit vaccine will be halved when they start manufacturing those in the country.

ALSO READ: India-Bangladesh Maitri: Jaishankar Appreciates Hasina’s Guidance

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India-Bangladesh Maitri: Jaishankar Appreciates Hasina’s Guidance

Foreign Minister Jaishankar has called on Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina on the sidelines of the ongoing Munich Security Conference 2024….reports Asian Lite News

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday called on Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the sidelines of the ongoing Munich Security Conference 2024, congratulating the Awami League on the fresh mandate in the recent national elections.

Taking to his official handle on social media platform X, Jaishankar said it was an honour calling on Prime Minister Hasina and taking the opportunity to commend the progress made in fostering ‘India-Bangladesh Maitri’.

“Congratulated her on the renewed mandate and appreciated her guidance for taking India Bangladesh Maitri forward. #MSC2024,” Jaishankar posted from his X handle.

Earlier, on Friday, Jaishankar began his engagements with UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron. At their bilateral on the sidelines of the Munich conference, Jaishankar and Cameron discussed the relationship between the two countries as well as global and regional issues.

The External Affairs Minister also held a meeting with his Canadian counterpart Melanie Joly on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. The meeting was significant as it came in the backdrop of the souring of bilateral ties Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged an Indian hand in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar at Surrey in British Columbia in June 2023.

India denied the allegations, calling them “absurd” and “motivated.”

The talks between the two leaders focused on the present state of bilateral ties between New Delhi and Ottawa.

Sharing details of his meeting with Joly, Jaishankar posted from his X handle, “Met my Canadian counterpart FM @melaniejoly on sidelines of #MSC2024. Our conversation understandably focused on the present state of our bilateral ties. Was also useful to exchange views on the global situation.”

Earlier, Jaishankar held a meeting with his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock, and discussed global challenges and the pathway ahead. The two leaders reviewed preparations for the next meeting of India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations.

Jaishankar posted on X, “So good to meet my German colleague FM @ABaerbock on #MSC2024 sidelines. A wide-ranging conversation on global challenges and the pathway ahead. Appreciated her insights and assessments. Also reviewed preparations for the next meeting of our Inter-Governmental Consultations.”

He also held a meeting with Argentina’s counterpart, Diana Mondino, and held discussions on economic and political cooperation between the two nations.

Jaishankar also met his counterparts from Poland, Belgium, and Portugal on the sidelines of the Security Conference in Munich.

The EAM, and the Portuguese Foreign Minister, Joao Cravinho, shared views on recent global developments as they met.

In a post on social media platform X, Jaishankar wrote, “Pleasure to meet FM of Portugal @JoaoCravinho, this time in Munich.”

“Shared views on recent global developments,” he added.

During his meeting with Foreign Minister of Poland, Radoslaw Sikorski, the EAM discussed bilateral cooperation between the two countries in different domains.

“A deep discussion on the Ukraine conflict with FM @sikorskiradek of Poland today on MSC 2024 sidelines. Also exchanged views on our bilateral cooperation in different domains,” he wrote in a post on X.

In his meeting with the Belgian Foreign Minister, Hadja Lahbib, the EAM lauded the advancement in bilateral ties between India and Belgium.

“Good to meet FM of Belgium @hadjalahbib this morning in Munich. Glad to work with the Belgian Presidency of the EU, as well as in advancing our bilateral ties,” the EAM wrote.

The Munich Security Conference (MSC) 2024 got underway on February 16 in the German capital and will conclude on February 18, Sunday.

The MSC 2024 offers a unique opportunity for high-level debates on the world’s most pressing security challenges.

Six decades after its foundation by Ewald von Kleist, the MSC has assembled senior decision-makers and thought leaders from around the world for discussions on the most pressing international security concerns in February 2024, according to the conference’s official statement. (ANI)

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 UAE explores labour market ties with India, Bangladesh

The meetings discussed bilateral relations, particularly in areas of labour mobility, skills development….reports Asian Lite News

Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, met with Shafiqur Rahaman Chowdhury, Minister of State for Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment of Bangladesh, and Muktesh Pardeshi, Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, overseeing India’s relations with the Gulf, West Asia, and North Africa regions, on the sidelines of the Seventh Abu Dhabi Dialogue (ADD) Ministerial Consultation, which took place in Dubai as part of the World Governments Summit 2024.

The meetings discussed bilateral relations, particularly in areas of labour mobility, skills development, and the adoption of technological processes to strengthen labour market relations between all parties, given India and Bangladesh’s role as leading labour-sending countries, while the UAE ranks among the world’s primary destinations for workers coming from the two countries.

The meetings discussed takeaways from the Seventh ADD Ministerial Consultation, and ways to develop bilateral and multilateral partnerships under the umbrella of the Abu Dhabi Dialogue, which was established in 2008 as a voluntary consultative mechanism that aims to provide a public platform for dialogue on best practices between labour-sending and receiving countries in the Asia-corridor.

ADD aims to support bilateral and regional collaboration, as well as maximise benefits and advantages for workers, employers, and the economies of labour-sending and receiving countries.

As host of the Abu Dhabi Dialogue’s Permanent Secretariat, the UAE organised the seventh edition of the ADD earlier this week, bringing together representatives from 16 labour-sending and receiving countries, along with officials from key international organisations, observing countries, institutions from the private sector and civil society, as well as experts and researchers.

ALSO READ: PM Modi inaugurates first Hindu temple in UAE

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Bangladesh cries foul over Rohingya issue

This is not the first time that Bangladesh has raised the matter with India….reports Asian Lite News

Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Hasan Mahmud Wednesday once again discussed the issue of growing number of Rohingya refugees in that country and how it has become a security challenge for Dhaka during his maiden visit to India in the current capacity. The two-day visit began Tuesday during which time Mahmud met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

Mahmud, a senior leader of the ruling Awami League party of Bangladesh, arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday. This was his first official bilateral visit since assuming charge. On Wednesday the External Affairs Minister held delegation-level talks with him and also hosted a dinner in his honour. In both his meetings with Jaishankar as well as Doval, he raised the issue of Rohingya refugees and how that has the potential to become a greater threat for both the countries.

“The situation in Myanmar is a worrying factor for both countries because we share a border with Myanmar. We discussed the issue with the NSA because for regional peace and stability, it is important that peace prevails in Myanmar,” said Mahmud addressing reporters.

He also said, “We have given them shelter. We are in consultations with Myanmar and requesting them to take them back. Our ambassador in Myanmar has met with the foreign minister of Myanmar and they have agreed to take them back. How they will take them back – through a ship or by air – that is a question of discussion.”

This is not the first time that Bangladesh has raised the matter with India. In fact, Mahmud’s predecessor AK Abdul Momen had been discussing this issue with India for the past five years even as the number of Rohingya refugees coming into that country has been swelling ever since the Myanmar military coup took place in February 2021.

Dhaka has repeatedly asked New Delhi to speak to the government of Myanmar on behalf of them to settle the matter. Currently, a whopping 1.2 million Rohingya refugees are living in Bangladesh’s Cox Bazar area.

After his meeting with NSA Doval, Mahmud said on X, “I had excellent meeting with national security advisor of India Mr. Ajit Doval. We discussed number of security issues including Rohingya issue. It was really an excellent meeting.”

Earlier this month Doval undertook a quiet visit to Bangladesh as India is facing greater security threats in the northeast region which is also witnessing massive influx of Myanmar citizens as well as security forces in states like Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland.

Bangladesh has now decided that it will not accept anymore Rohingya refugees in the country. There have been growing incidents of violence and clashes along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border. This has led to Myanmar forces and border guards taking shelter in Bangladesh.

On Tuesday, Bangladesh lodged a strong protest over the death of Bangladeshi nationals from mortar shells and bullets fired from Myanmar side in the border areas.

According to Mahmud, he will continue with the same agenda as his predecessor did. Mahmud was appointed as the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina came back to power for the fifth time by winning a landslide victory in January this year.

ALSO READ: Strong Bangladesh Crucial for India, Says President Murmu

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Strong Bangladesh Crucial for India, Says President Murmu

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud had called on the President at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday….reports Asian Lite News

President Droupadi Murmu on Friday said that strong, stable and prosperous Bangladesh is in India’s interest.

“There is immense political will on both sides to see the relationship grow,” the President said during her meeting with the Bangladesh Foreign Minister.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud had called on the President at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday.

The President also conveyed her felicitations to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her fourth consecutive term as Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

The President also expressed confidence that under her leadership, Bangladesh will achieve new milestones of progress and prosperity.

The President expressed satisfaction at the progress made by both the countries in almost all areas of bilateral cooperation, such as border and security, trade, connectivity, power, infrastructure, people to people contacts etc.

She said that both sides have been reviving rail, road and waterways that traditionally linked the people and economies on both sides, and are also simultaneously creating new connectivity links.

ALSO READ: ‘India-Bangladesh ties bonded by blood’

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‘India-Bangladesh ties bonded by blood’

Visiting Bangladeshi foreign minister emphasised that India is not only a neighbour but also played a vital role in Bangladesh’s independence war….reports Asian Lite News

Hailing the ties with India, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud, currently on an official visit to India, said that India is an immediate neighbour, and the relationship is bonded by blood.

While speaking to ANI, the foreign minister emphasised that India is not only a neighbour but also played a vital role in Bangladesh’s independence war.

On Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina visiting Indi’s future visit, Mahmud said, “You are having elections… In the future, definitely, PM Shiekh Hasina will visit India… India is our immediate neighbour. We have a wide range of issues. India is not only our neighbour, but it also played a very vital role in our independence war. Indian people and the army shed their blood. Our relationship is bonded by blood. The invitation came from India first. That’s why I chose India for my first foreign visit…”

Regarding his meetings with his Indian counterpart, S Jaishankar, the Bangladesh Foreign Minister mentioned that they discussed all issues, including cross-border issues, Rohingya, as well as connectivity.

“We had a very good discussion. We discussed all the issues including cross-border issues, Rohingya issues, security issues, powersharing and connectivity issues. We discussed all of these issues…” he told ANI.

Meanwhile, when asked about the Pakistan General Elections, scheduled for Thursday, he said that “it is their internal issue.”

Earlier, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud said that his visit to India will contribute to strengthening the ties between the two ‘brotherly’ countries, which have excellent ties.

Mahmud, who is on a visit to India from February 7-9, arrived in the national capital in the early hours of Wednesday.

Speaking to ANI, Mahmud said, “We are two brotherly countries. We have excellent ties between the two countries. Any visit of a Bangladesh minister or an Indian minister to Bangladesh definitely strengthens our ties.”

The Bangladesh Foreign Minister also thanked EAM Jaishankar and the Indian government for inviting him on Wednesday.

“We value the visit because I have come here on the invitation of the Foreign Minister of India. We are thankful to the Indian Government and especially to the Foreign Minister for inviting me here. Definitely, this visit will contribute to the relationship,” he added.

During his interaction with Jaishankar, the two Ministers reviewed the progress in wide-ranging areas of bilateral relations, including cross-border connectivity, economic and development partnership, cooperation in defence and security, power, energy, water resources and people-to-people exchanges. They also discussed areas of future engagement in line with the national development goals of the two countries, including the visions of “Viksit Bharat 2047” and “Smart Bangladesh 2041″,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and multilateral issues of common interest. They expressed commitment to further enhance their collaboration to promote sub-regional cooperation within the framework of BIMSTEC, IORA and BBIN, the statement added.

Earlier in the day, FM Mahmud met with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

The two leaders held discussions on exploring avenues for enhanced regional cooperation to ensure security and foster greater stability not only within the region but also beyond.

Notably, this is Mahmud’s first foreign visit after being sworn into the new Bangladesh government following Sheikh Hasina’s historic victory, securing a consecutive fourth term as Prime Minister.

Hasan Mahmud, who hails from Chittagong in the southeast of Bangladesh, served as Deputy Foreign Minister during Sheikh Hasina’s second term during 2009-2014.

Hasina’s party, the Awami League, secured 223 seats to form the government in the elections held on January 7.

The Awami League government named its 36-member cabinet after President Mohammad Shahabuddin invited them to form the government. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Bangladesh FM arrives in India for first official visit

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Bangladesh FM arrives in India for first official visit

Mahmud is visiting India at the invitation of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar….reports Asian Lite News

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday.

“A warm welcome to FM @DrHasanMahmud62 of Bangladesh on his first official visit to India,” the official spokesperson of MEA, Randhir Jaiswal, wrote on X.

“India-Bangladesh’s strong partnership will get further impetus with this significant visit,” he said.

Mahmud is visiting India at the invitation of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

Notably, this is Mahmud’s first foreign visit after being sworn into the new Bangladesh government following Sheikh Hasina’s historic victory, securing a consecutive fourth term as Prime Minister.

“The visit reflects the high importance and priority both countries attach to their bilateral relationship,” the MEA said.

During his February 7-9 visit to the country, the Bangladeshi minister Hasan Mahmud will meet and hold talks with Jaishankar, where they will review progress in a wide range of bilateral relations and chart out the agenda for future engagement.

They will also exchange views on sub-regional, regional, and multilateral issues of common interest, the MEA said.

Earlier this January, Jaishankar met his Bangladesh counterpart Mahmud on the sidelines of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in Kampala, Uganda.

Mahmud said he had valuable talks with Jaishankar to strengthen India-Bangladesh ties.

Jaishankar earlier congratulated Mahmud on his appointment and said he “looks forward to receiving him in Delhi soon.”

Hasan Mahmud, who hails from Chittagong in the southeast of Bangladesh, served as Deputy Foreign Minister during Sheikh Hasina’s second term during 2009-2014.

Hasina’s party, the Awami League, secured 223 seats to form the government in the elections held on January 7. The Awami League government named its 36-member cabinet after President Mohammad Shahabuddin invited them to form the government.

The elections were held amid tensions, as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami and like-minded parties observed a strike across the country as they boycotted the elections. (ANI)

ALSO READ: BSF Apprehends 14 People Along Indo-Bangladesh Border

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BSF Apprehends 14 People Along Indo-Bangladesh Border

India -Bangladesh border

As per officials, five heavy trucks were seized in the joint operation…reports Asian Lite News

In a joint operation with West Bengal Police, troops of North Bengal Frontier of the Border Security Force (BSF) have apprehended 14 persons and rescued 240 cattle heads along the Indo-Bangladesh border, officials said on Tuesday.

As per officials, five heavy trucks were seized in the joint operation.

Taking to the social media platform, X, North Bengal Frontier BSF said, “In a commendable joint ops with West Bengal Police, valiant soldiers of 40 Bn @BSFNBFTR apprehended 14 Indian nationals involved in illegal activities with 05 heavy trucks and rescued 240 cattle from the possession of the apprehended persons.”

An investigation into this matter is underway. Further details are awaited.

Pak national apprehended

Border Security Force (BSF) apprehended a Pakistani national attempting to sneak into Indian Territory at the international border of Kutch District on Tuesday, said BSF in a statement.

The individual was intercepted by vigilant BSF personnel when they observed suspicious movement near the border.

The detained individual seems to be mentally unsound and is unable to reveal his identity. Nothing suspicious has been found in his possession, added the statement.

Notably, BSF is on high alert because of upcoming Republic Day celebrations.

Earlier, in a joint operation with the West Bengal Police, troops of North Bengal Frontier of the Border Security Force (BSF) have apprehended 14 persons and rescued 240 cattle heads along the Indo-Bangladesh border, officials said on Tuesday.

As per officials, five heavy trucks were seized in the joint operation. Taking to the social media platform, X, North Bengal Frontier BSF said, “In a commendable joint ops with West Bengal Police, valiant soldiers of 40 Bn @BSFNBFTR apprehended 14 Indian nationals involved in illegal activities with five heavy trucks and rescued 240 cattle from the possession of the apprehended persons.” (ANI)

ALSO READ: Monopoly Era Deepens Divide

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India, Bangladesh Discuss Issues to Boost Bilateral Ties

The two sides discussed issues to advance bilateral cooperation in the new term of the Bangladesh government….reports Asian Lite News

India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma, called on Bangladesh’s new Foreign Minister, Hasan Mahmud. The two sides discussed issues to advance bilateral cooperation in the new term of the Bangladesh government.

During the meeting, Pranay Verma conveyed the greetings of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to Hasan Mahmud. Notably, Hasan Mahmud has been appointed as Bangladesh’s new Foreign Minister, succeeding Abdul Momen.

In the previous term, Hasan Mahmud was given the responsibilities of Bangalesh’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

In a post shared on X, the Indian High Commission in Bangladesh stated, “HC Pranay Verma paid a courtesy call on the new FM of Bangladesh H.E Hasan Mahmud on 15 Jan 2024 & conveyed greetings on behalf of India’s EAM. They discussed wide ranging issues to advance India-Bangladesh bilateral cooperation in the new term of the Bangladesh Govt.”

On January 8, India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma, called on Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. During the meeting, he conveyed the warm greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India to Sheikh Hasina on her election victory.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated Sheikh Hasina for securing victory in the elections. Underscoring that India is committed to further strengthening the partnership with Bangladesh, PM Modi said, “We are committed to further strengthening our enduring and people-centric partnership with Bangladesh.”

In a post shared on X, PM Modi stated, “Spoke to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and congratulated her on her victory for a historic fourth consecutive term in the Parliamentary elections. I also congratulate the people of Bangladesh for the successful conduct of the elections. We are committed to further strengthening our enduring and people-centric partnership with Bangladesh.”

Sheikh Hasina registered a historic victory, clinching a fourth consecutive term as the Bangladesh Prime Minister. Her party, the Awami League secured 223 seats to form the government in the elections held on January 7.

She received 249,962 votes, while her nearest rival, Md Atiqur Rahman, got 6,999 votes. Meanwhile, another candidate, Mahabur Mollah, received 425 votes. Sheikh Hasina has won the fifth term, which is also her fourth consecutive term, Dhaka Tribune reported.

Meanwhile, Jatiya Party (JaPa-Ershad), received 11 seats, Bangladesh Kallyan party won in one constituency while independent candidates secured victory in 62 seats.

Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal and Workers Party of Bangladesh won one seat each, according to the report.The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami and like-minded parties observed a strike across the country as they boycotted the elections. (ANI)

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