BSF, BDR meet in Dhaka today

Indian security agencies are also concerned about the cattle chain stretching from the northern states to Bangladesh through Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal. Cattle is smuggled out of India and the money generated is used by militant groups.

In addition to smuggling, a mechanism to check movement of people across the border will also be taken up during the six-day bi-annual meeting. BSF Director-General A K Mitra will lead an 18-member Indian delegation. The Bangladesh Rifles team will be headed by Major-Gen Shakil Ahmed. The meeting will also try to activate a system of frequent interaction at the level of field commanders to sort out local issues.

In the past, these interactions have seen BSF hand over lists of militants wanted in India and believed to be hiding in Bangladesh. These include top leaders of the outlawed ULFA like Paresh Baruah.

The Indo-Bangla Home Secretary level talks in July saw a commitment from Bangladesh that they would prevent their territory to be used for operations against India.