The government is set to procure sound grenades and teargas shells for the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), said Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (ret) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury. "The BGB has always been equipped with deadly weapons, but they have not had non-lethal alternatives like sound grenades or tear gas. On January 18, there were tensions along the Chapainawabganj border, where Indian Border Security Forces (BSF) reportedly used teargas and sound grenades. But the BGB did not have these options at their disposal," he said following a meeting at his ministry on Monday. Over 33,000 foreigners illegally staying in Bangladesh: Home Adviser In the past, the Adviser said, the BGB had been equipped solely with lethal weapons, which had led to questions about why the force did not use sound grenades or tear gas during border confrontations. In light of these developments, Jahangir Alam said, the government had now authorised the purchase of non-lethal crowd control equipment for the BGB. "We have given permission to procure these items. The BGB already has access to deadly weapons, but they did not have items like sound grenades or tear gas, which will now be acquired for their use," he added. In comparison, the BSF currently possesses such equipment, giving them an advantage in handling border situations that require non-lethal means of crowd control, he said. Despite these issues, the Adviser said, the border situation remains stable, with no major problems reported at present. Meeting underway to finalise new uniform designs for police, RAB, Ansar Turning to the issue of foreign nationals residing illegally in Bangladesh, the Adviser provided updates on a previous circular regarding the matter. "Previously, we reported that 49,226 foreign nationals were residing illegally in Bangladesh after their visas had expired. However, this number has now been reduceda to 33,648. The deadline for these individuals to leave the country is set for January 31," he said.

Over 33, 000 foreigners are still illegally staying in the country, Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has said. He came up with the information while briefing the media after a meeting on law and order at the conference room of his ministry on Monday. Govt paving the way for a smoke-free Bangladesh: DORP Warning of strict action against the illegal foreigners, the Home Adviser said they set a deadline for them to be legalised and action would be taken once the timeframe is over. “Action will also be taken against those employing illegal foreigners.” As of October 30 last year, there were 49, 266 illegal foreigners but this number stood at 33, 648 till January 18 this year, he said. US extends support to charting ‘prosperous, democratic path’ for Bangladesh An amount of Tk 10.53 crore was released from the illegal foreigners as penalty, Adviser Jahangir Alam said.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has transferred 50 Superintendents of Police (SPs) and 24 Additional Superintendents of Police. Three notifications were issued in this regard from the Public Security Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday. Ambassador-designate Mushfiqul eyes stronger trade ties with Mexico Deputy Secretary M Mahbubur Rahman signed the notification by order of the President. In one notification, 19 officers, in another notification, 31 officers of the Superintendent of Police rank, and in a separate notification, 24 officers of the Additional Superintendent of Police rank were transferred to different units. Appointment of 6 members of BPSC cancelled Transferred officers have been posted to various units including DMP, Police Headquarters, CID, SB, RAB, PBI, APBn, CMP, RMP, and BMP.