From Sudip Sharma Chowdhury
guwahathi: The 51st Director General level Border Coordination Conference between Border Security Force (India) and Border Guard Bangladesh is being organized w.e.f 22nd to 26th Dec 2020. This is the first time that the Director General Level Talks have been held outside New Delhi. Assam Police on behalf of the Govt of Assam welcomed both delegations for an informal interaction at Police Officers Mess, Kohora. DG BGB, DG BSF, Chief Secretary, Assam and Director General of Police, Assam spoke at the interaction. DGP, Assam, Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta spoke of the importance of such interactions, touching upon issues that affect both countries emanating from common borders, and the need for a synergistic approach to handle these issues.
Maj Gen MD Shafeenul Islam, BGBM (BAR), NDC, PSC, DG, BGB thanked the Government of Assam for hosting the informal interaction in the scenic landscape of Kaziranga National Park and stressed the need for enhanced collaborative efforts for achieving common goals. DG BSF, Rakesh Asthana, IPS appreciated the initiative of bringing the DG level talks of both countries outside New Delhi to Assam, which shares a long International Border with Bangladesh and reaffirmed the commitment of BSF for a close relationship with BGB. Chief Secretary Assam, Jishnu Barua, IAS spoke of the historical and cultural moorings between the two countries and stressed on how bonding and cooperation comes naturally for these two countries and its forces.
ADG BSF, Pankaj Kumar Singh, IPS stated that the informal interaction and visit were a huge success, adding that the informal interaction and visit will go a long way in improving coordination and cooperation between the forces. Both the delegations and the Assam Civil Administration as well as Police reaffirmed their commitment to work jointly to address common border related issues. The talks were followed by a cultural evening. The culture and vibrance of Assam were at perfect display. The delegations enjoyed watching the Jhumur and Bihu and listening to live performances of Assamese, Bengali and Hindi songs. The bonhomie and warmth during this visit and cultural night is a firm and definitive step in the right direction for a long term cordial relationship between the two Border Forces and the State of Assam.