New Delhi, August 24, 2024 — In a recent meeting between senior officials of the Border Security Force (BSF) of India and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), both sides expressed grave concerns over the ongoing illegal trade across their shared border. The discussions highlighted the smuggling of cattle and Hilsa fish, issues that have persisted and even intensified in recent times.
The Indian delegation raised significant concerns about the rampant cattle smuggling into Bangladesh, a problem that has been a long-standing challenge for the BSF. On the other hand, the Bangladeshi officials underscored the issue of Hilsa fish smuggling into India, which has become a growing concern due to the high demand and profitability of the illegal trade.
Since the change in government in Bangladesh following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina administration, both the BSF and BGB have increased their vigilance along the border. The primary aim has been to curb not only human trafficking but also the illegal trade of cattle and Hilsa fish, which has surged in the past months.
The BSF has ramped up its efforts to prevent cattle smuggling into Bangladesh, a practice that has deep socio-economic implications in the region. According to officials, ground forces have been instructed to patrol the border round-the-clock to thwart these illegal activities. The BSF Intelligence wing has also been mobilized to gather actionable information, particularly focusing on local touts who are often involved in both human trafficking and cattle smuggling operations.
The BGB, in response, has similarly intensified its efforts to prevent Hilsa fish from being smuggled into India. Hilsa, often referred to as the “King of Fish,” is highly prized for its unique taste, particularly in the bordering states of India. The scarcity of this fish in India has driven up its price, sometimes reaching as high as Rs 2,500 per kilogram, making it a lucrative target for smugglers.
The Hilsa from Bangladesh, particularly those fished from the River Padma, are especially sought after due to their superior taste, a result of the river’s sweet water. This demand has led to increased smuggling activities, with smugglers exploiting the porous border to push Hilsa into India, particularly during festival seasons when demand spikes.
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In 2019, the Bangladesh government officially allowed the export of Hilsa to India, especially during key festivals. However, the legal trade has not entirely quelled the illegal market, as smugglers continue to take advantage of high demand and the complexities of border control. The BGB has been proactive in its efforts to curb this trade, with recent instructions given to their troops to intensify surveillance and prevent illegal Hilsa smuggling. These measures have been discussed with Indian authorities, underscoring the collaborative approach needed to address this challenge.
The increased smuggling activities have put additional pressure on both the BSF and BGB, who are tasked with maintaining security across a challenging and often difficult-to-patrol border. The recent operations by the BSF in the Meghalaya region, where 23 cattle were rescued from being smuggled into Bangladesh, highlight the ongoing battle against these illegal activities.
Both nations recognize that the challenges posed by smuggling are multifaceted, involving economic, social, and security dimensions. The BSF and BGB have pledged to continue working closely together, sharing intelligence and coordinating operations to ensure that illegal trade is minimized.
The meeting between the BSF and BGB officials concluded with a renewed commitment to enhancing border security and addressing the smuggling of both cattle and Hilsa fish. As these issues continue to affect the border regions, the cooperation between India and Bangladesh’s border forces will be crucial in curbing illegal trade and ensuring stability and prosperity in the region.
