Crime-free zone along border

THIS is in response to a news item published in The Financial Express on March 10, 2018 about a meeting held between Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Border Security Forces (BSF), India on establishing a "Crime Free Zone" along Bangladesh-India border. This is undoubtedly a praiseworthy move as there are widespread allegations of illegal border trade. There are frequent incidents of injury and death along the border. The memories of Felani are still fresh in our minds. This type of killing is unfortunate and unacceptable.

Illegal trade and smuggling along the border is an obstacle to legal business development between the two countries. In a situation like this, setting up a crime-free zone is a welcome move. But both countries must ensure that the idea is translated into action so that the entire border belt is a crime-free zone. In this way terrorist activities along the border can also be curbed.

Md. Zillur Rahaman

Islami Bank Bangladesh Ltd

Lalmohan Branch, Bhola

[email protected]