National Security Adviser Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said that discussions will be held regarding all unequal agreements made with India during the Awami League government.

He made the statement at a press conference on Wednesday (January 29) at the Ministry of Home Affairs in the Secretariat, ahead of the upcoming border conference between the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Border Security Force (BSF) of India.

Chowdhury highlighted concerns over the production and smuggling of drugs across the border, mentioning that Indian nationals often produce and smuggle Phensedyl, an illegal drug, into Bangladesh.

The adviser also addressed issues related to construction activities near the border. 

He emphasized that any construction, including mosques or temples, within 150 yards of the border requires mutual consent from both countries. 

The adviser added that future developments would be closely monitored to ensure that both parties agree on such projects.

Chowdhury further said that the upcoming border conference would focus on several key issues, including halting border killings and the shooting of unarmed Bangladeshis by BSF or Indian nationals. Discussions will also be held on preventing the detention of Bangladeshi citizens by BSF or Indian citizens and addressing issues related to border encroachments and illegal crossings.

Additionally, the adviser mentioned the need to focus on preventing the smuggling of illegal drugs, arms, ammunition, and explosives from India into Bangladesh. 

Discussions will also cover the equitable distribution of water from shared rivers between Bangladesh and India, including water extraction, the implementation of water agreements, and the reopening of the Rahimpur Canal, the Adviser added.

BDST: 1554 HRS, JAN 29, 2025
MSK/SMS