The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) will not make compromise on any issue related to border security, including illegal entry and attempts to push people across the border, a senior official said on Friday.
Between January 1 and October 15 this year, the force foiled 182 push-in attempts across 23 districts, stopping 1,275 illegal entries, said Lt Col Md Mahbub Murshed Rahman, director (operations) of the BGB, at a press conference at the BGB headquarters.
He said the BGB is performing its duties with vigilance, restraint and professionalism to prevent attempts to forcibly push in people across the border.
The force has intensified surveillance and maintained communication and coordination with relevant stakeholders to prevent such incidents, Mahbub added.
He said the BGB is strictly following existing laws, regulations and established protocols in dealing with illegal activities along the border.
It is also increasingly using modern surveillance equipment, day-and-night observation technology and other advanced tools to strengthen border security, the official said.
Alongside its security operations, the BGB continues to support border communities through medical services, skills development for young people and various welfare initiatives, he said.
Arms and smuggled goods seized
The BGB has also intensified operations against illegal arms, narcotics and other contraband items.
During various drives this year, the force recovered around 78 pistols, seven rifles, one submachine gun, seven grenades, 12 landmines and more than 3,200 rounds of ammunition.
It also detained 1,957 people suspected of involvement in smuggling narcotics, weapons and other contraband and handed them over to the respective police stations for legal action.
According to BGB data, the force seized smuggled goods worth around Tk 2,086 crore between January 1 and October 15. The seized goods included narcotics, gold, textiles and cosmetics.
The operations are aimed at protecting the country's economic interests and ensuring legitimate trade, the BGB official said.
Over 2.6 crore Yaba tablets seized
The BGB has seized more than 2.6 crore Yaba tablets since January this year, along with around 40 kg of crystal methamphetamine, 12 kg of heroin and cocaine, nearly 16,000 kg of cannabis, about 24,000 bottles of Phensedyl and around 1 lakh bottles of foreign liquor.
The force considers preventing drug trafficking a top priority, as narcotics pose a serious threat to young people, families and public security.
BGB members are working round the clock to prevent drug trafficking and smuggling, Mahbub said.