DHAKA, Jan 4, 2023 (BSS) - State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar 
Alam today hoped that killings along with long Bangladesh-India border will 
come down to zero level gradually.

"I would like to assure all that Dhaka will always be vocal to come down the 
border killing at zero level," he said while speaking as the chief guest at a 
discussion here.

He said the incident of killing in a number of points of 4000-km long 
Bangladesh-India border came down to zero level in recent years though 
problems remain in some points like Lalmonirhat.

Alam said the incidents of border killing made Bangladesh-India relation 
embarrassed and "it does not show proper respect to our existing bilateral 
relations".

The state minister said Dhaka raised the recent border killing incidents in 
Lalmonirhat with India through diplomatic channel on Tuesday.

"We hope it (border killing) will come down to zero level (in all points)," 
he said, adding that there is no lack of sincerity at the top leadership of 
both the countries.

He said the highest level of leadership of both Bangladesh and India have 
committed to make effective border management for ensuring a tranquil, stable 
and crime-free border.

Both sides agreed that any death at the border is a matter of concern and 
directed the concerned border guarding forces not to use lethal weapons, he 
added.

But, he said, killing incidents have still been taken place and "We 
questioned why bullets did not hit leg or hands of the victims".

The state minister said despite of tragic incidents there are many 
achievements brought by the two countries in border management in recent 
years.

Shahriar Alam said there are disruptive forces driven by vested quarters but 
the two countries will work together to further deepen the existing relations 
of "Golden Chapter".

He also talked about the role of the media in fighting the misinformation 
regarding the bilateral relation between the two closest neighbours.
Surjobarta Media and Communication organised the seminar titled "Indo-Bangla 
Unique Friendship in Hasina-Modi Regimes: Role of Media" at Biswasahitya 
Kendra.

Indian reputed journalist Dr Ayanjit Sen gave a special lecture on Indian 
Perspective while Surjobarta Editor Sumi Khan presented a concept paper.

Justice AHM Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik, Daily Samakal Acting Editor Mozammel 
Hossain Monju, Chief News Editor of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Samir 
Kanti Barua, Joint Editor Daily Prothom Alo Sohrab Hassan, Daily Desh 
Rupantor Chief Reporter Ummul Wara spoke as special guests at the seminar.