India, Bangladesh police forces to set up nodal points to respond to security challenges

New Delhi:India and Bangladesh on Tuesday decided to further strengthen the relationship of their police forces by taking the first step towards establishing designated `nodal points' for effective and timely handling and response to emerging security and counter-terrorism challenges.

The decision was taken at the first Delegation-Level virtual Police Chiefs’ Dialogue between the Police chiefs of India and Bangladesh which was held in an environment of positivity and trust.

While discussing ongoing bilateral cooperation, issues of mutual concern and the way forward, it was decided to further strengthen the relationship of the Police forces of the two countries.

Both sides agreed to enhance their work jointly against terrorist entities including the Global Terrorist Groups, as well as other fugitives, wherever they are present and active. Both sides reiterated the need for sharing of real time intelligence and feedback through the designated ‘nodal points’, while appreciating each other’s ongoing action against insurgent groups operating in the region.

The scope of enhanced coordination to combat trans-border criminal activities, including smuggling of drugs, Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN), arms and ammunition and human trafficking was also discussed, according to an official statement by the Ministry of Home Affairs here.

In view of the limitations imposed by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the meeting was held virtually and in a shorter format. Both sides however emphasized the importance of this new high level mechanism, as the dialogue concluded with assurances of greater cooperation on both the sides to address all security challenges in future.

The institution of Police Chiefs’ Dialogue, assisted by members of other security agencies on both sides, will further enhance the existing cooperation between the police forces of both countries, thereby further consolidating a relationship that transcends strategic partnership in this 50th anniversary of the Liberation of Bangladesh, the MHA said in the statement.(UNI)