United News of Bangladesh

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) on Friday night thwarted an attempt by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) to push in 15 people into Bangladesh through the Gomostapur border in Chapainawabganj district. The incident took place around 12:40am in the area under Gomostapur Border Outpost (BOP) of Naogaon-16 BGB Battalion near border pillar 220/MP. The group included two men, eight women and five children. Lt Col Mohammad Ariful Islam Masum, commanding officer of Naogaon-16 BGB Battalion, said personnel of India’s BSF 88 Battalion from the Kotalpur camp attempted to push the 15 individuals into Bangladesh using a boat. However, BGB’s immediate and firm response foiled the attempt. He said the individuals were found staying along the zero line on the Indian side of the border at the time. Later, BSF personnel sent the 15 people back into Indian territory through the Bhabanipur area near border pillar 220/MP around 2:40am. The border situation is being closely monitored and surveillance and patrol activities in the area remain ongoing, said the BGB official .

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) foiled attempts by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) to push 79 people into Bangladesh through separate border points in five districts over the past 24 hours till Saturday morning. The BGB members prevented push-in attempts through the bordering areas of  Netrakona, Naogaon, Lalmonirhat, Panchagah and Jhenaidah district, said Shariful Islam, media officer of BGB headquarters on Saturday.  According to the statement, the BGB members form Maheshpur Battalion (BGB-58) in Jhenaidah foiled attempt of three individuals to enter Bangladesh from India through Jadabpur border.  BGB patrol members took position along the zero line and prevented their entry, forcing them to return to Indian territory. In Naogaon, the members of BGB-16 Battalion obstructed entry of 17 individuals into Bangladesh through Karamdanga border.  Meanwhile, in Lalmonirhat, the BGB members under Teesta Battalion (BGB-61) prevented illegal entry of 21 people into Bangladesh from India along Barkhata and Poyshottibari border areas in Hatibandha and Patgram upazilas of the district. Besides, BGB members under the Lalmonirhat Battalion (15 BGB) stopped an attempt to push seven individuals into Bangladesh through the Dighaltari border area.  The same battalion also thwarted another attempt involving four people at the Durgapur border.  BGB said they were currently staying in a char area on the Indian side outside the barbed-wire fence, while security forces continue close monitoring of the situation. In Panchagarh, Indian authorities reportedly brought 10 individuals to an area outside Barobari Pradhanpara border area in Panchagarh under Nilphamari Battalion (56 BGB), border fence.  A flag meeting was subsequently held between BGB and the Border Security Force (BSF) at the company commander level. During the meeting, BSF claimed that the individuals were Bangladeshi nationals but failed to provide supporting evidence, according to the BGB statement. The matter remains under close observation. Meanwhile, 16 to 17 individuals who had earlier been gathered at a government primary school in Assam's Mahadev Police Station area opposite the Kochugora border under Netrokona Battalion (31 BGB) were relocated to an area adjacent to BSF’s Chikni camp opposite the Lengura border due to BGB’s firm position. The border force said it is maintaining heightened vigilance in the area and closely monitoring developments. Reiterating its position, BGB said any attempt to push people across the border in violation of international border management norms, existing laws and bilateral understandings between Bangladesh and India is unacceptable. No individual or group will be allowed to enter Bangladesh illegally through the border, the force said, adding that it remains fully committed to protecting the country's sovereignty and border security and is prepared to deal with any situation.

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has said it has foiled 10 separate attempts by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) to push individuals into Bangladesh through different borders in the past 24 hours till 6:00am on Thursday. In a press release, the force said it remains on highest alert, maintaining heightened intelligence surveillance and patrol operations across the frontier to prevent any unauthorised entry. According to the BGB, in Jhenaidah’s Maheshpur border area, patrol teams from BGB-58 stopped an attempt by 4-5 individuals to enter Bangladesh illegally at Jadabpur, forcing them to retreat back into Indian territory. In another incident in the Samanta BOP area under the same battalion, around 30-35 people were reportedly brought near the border in a prison van by BSF with the intent of push-in. BGB said its patrol teams, along with local residents, resisted the attempt, after which the individuals were taken away. In Jashore’s Goga and Rudrapur border areas under Khulna BGB-21, several men and women were seen gathered near the frontier for alleged push-in attempts, but were later removed following BGB intervention. BGB-20 in Joypurhat said intelligence suggested that around 10 people were assembled inside Indian territory near the Koya and Basudebpur borders in preparation for push-in attempts, which were later foiled due to heightened vigilance. In Chapainawabganj, BGB-53 said intelligence and social media reports indicated that four Muslim individuals excluded from India’s Special Intensive Revision list were being held at three centres near BSF camps in an alleged attempt to push them into Bangladesh. BGB said it has increased surveillance in the area. BGB-50 in Thakurgaon reported that BSF’s Kakramani camp detained two Bangladeshi nationals, but no formal communication has yet been made with BGB regarding the matter. In Panchagarh, BGB-18 said one individual allegedly pushed into Bangladesh by BSF through the Rowshanpur area was initially detained by locals and later sent back into Indian territory after verification. BGB-59 in Chapainawabganj said 22 detainees held at a centre in India’s Malda district were reportedly handed over to BSF for possible push-in attempts, prompting increased monitoring by BGB. In Sylhet, BGB-48 said locals detained two suspicious individuals at Utmachhara border, who were later identified as Indian nationals and pushed back following due procedure. In Netrokona, BGB-31 said 15-20 individuals were reportedly gathered at a school in Assam’s Mahadeb police station area for alleged push-in attempts, taking advantage of a stretch of unfenced border area. The battalion said it remains on maximum alert. BGB reiterated that no illegal entry into Bangladesh through the border will be allowed under any circumstances and said it will firmly resist any violation of international border laws and bilateral agreements. The force also said intelligence monitoring, patrols and operational activities have been further intensified to safeguard national sovereignty and border security.

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has deployed 23 teams in key toll plazas, highways and congestion-prone areas across the country to help maintain law and order, ease traffic congestion and ensure safe and comfortable travel for Eid holidaymakers. As per the government’s directives, four teams have been deployed in the Elevated Expressway, Baipail and Nabinagar areas, six teams in the Padma Bridge and Dhaka-Mawa Expressway toll plaza areas, and four teams in the Meghna Bridge, Panchabati Bridge, Kanchan Bridge, Mograpara and Madanpur Mor/Kanchpur areas, BGB Public Relations Officer Shariful Islam said on Tuesday. In addition, one team has been deployed in the Gazipur Chowrasta area, two teams have been deployed at the eastern and western ends of the Jamuna Bridge, one team in the Shah Amanat Bridge area in Chattogram, one team in the Khan Jahan Ali Bridge area in Khulna, one team in the Bhairab Bridge area in Kishoreganj, two teams at the Kushtia and Pabna ends of the Lalon Shah Bridge, and one team at the Atrai Toll Plaza area in Natore. BGB members have been carrying out duties since May 21 in coordination with the local administration and other law enforcement agencies to reduce traffic congestion, maintain discipline and ensure the safe movement of people in the respective areas. The deployment will remain in place until three days after Eid.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has seized four Indian cattle in an anti-smuggling operation at Chapainawabganj border after recovering them from the Matpara area of Narayanpur Union under Sadar upazila during a late-night drive on Monday. Lt Col Kazi Mostafizur Rahman, commanding officer of the 53 BGB Battalion, confirmed the matter on Tuesday morning and said, acting on a tip-off, a patrol team from Jahurpurtek BOP conducted a raid in the border area around 12:45 am on Monday. During the operation, the four Indian cattle were found abandoned. The estimated market value of the seized cattle is around Tk 3 lakh, according to BGB. Later, the cattle were handed over to the Chapainawabganj customs office. However, no one was arrested in connection with the incident. BGB said its operations against smuggling in the border area will continue.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday said Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been placed on high alert amid developments following the assembly elections in West Bengal, assuring that the force remains fully prepared to prevent border infiltration and maintain law and order. Briefing reporters at the Secretariat after a meeting on improving the living standards of salt farmers chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, he said political changes or internal administrative decisions in any Indian state, including erecting barbed-wire fences along the border, are India’s internal matters. “Bangladesh maintains diplomatic relations with the central government of India based on sovereign equality. The change of political power in any specific state does not affect Bangladesh’s foreign policy or bilateral relations,” the Home Minister said. He said BGB remains on constant vigilance to prevent any unauthorised border crossings and ensure that the security situation remains stable. Responding to a question about information spreading on social media claiming atrocities against minorities following the West Bengal polls and their possible impact on Bangladesh, Salahuddin said many misleading posts were being circulated using old videos. “So far, neither the Home Ministry nor the Foreign Ministry has any information regarding the authenticity of such incidents or any negative impact on Bangladesh,” he said, urging people not to be misled by online propaganda. Turning to salt farmers, the Home Minister the government has taken initiatives to ensure a fair price for salt in line with production costs to achieve self-sufficiency in the salt industry and protect the interests of local salt farmers. He said the Ministry of Agriculture is currently reviewing the production costs of salt farmers so that they receive a proper price for their hard work. “The justification for imports is being verified by assessing the domestic demand for both industrial and edible salt.” Salahuddin stated that, upon the collection of accurate data and in accordance with the directives of the Prime Minister, decisions will be taken in such a manner that the country may achieve complete self-sufficiency in salt production, while ensuring that the farmers do not incur any losses.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has issued the highest alert along the 278-kilometre border in Kurigram amid fears of illegal infiltration and possible “push-ins” linked to the ongoing political situation in West Bengal. Border patrols, intelligence surveillance and other security measures have been intensified across the frontier areas, officials said on Saturday. Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Mahbub-ul-Haq, commander of the Kurigram Battalion (22 BGB), said uninterrupted patrols are being carried out round the clock from all Border Outposts (BOPs) under the battalion. He said intelligence monitoring has also been strengthened to quickly detect and prevent any illegal activities along the border. According to BGB sources, awareness campaigns and information-gathering activities are also being conducted with the support of local residents, while the movement of suspicious individuals and vehicles is being closely monitored. “BGB is working under a zero-tolerance policy to prevent smuggling and illegal infiltration. We are always alert and prepared to ensure border security,” said Lt Col Mahbub-ul-Haq. Meanwhile, Lalmonirhat 15 BGB also issued a similar alert for the 36-kilometre border area in Phulbari upazila, which falls under its jurisdiction. The battalion said fears of illegal infiltration and push-ins through the border have increased due to the prevailing political situation in India. As part of precautionary measures, additional personnel have been deployed in sensitive and remote border areas. BGB members are also continuing drives against cross-border crimes, including drug trafficking, cattle smuggling and human trafficking, while intelligence activities have been reinforced alongside regular patrols. Commanding Officer of Lalmonirhat-15 BGB Lieutenant Colonel Mehedi Imam, PSC, said the force remains fully active in preventing crimes and maintaining border security under directives from the BGB headquarters. “There is no laxity in border security. Surveillance has been further strengthened based on local intelligence information,” he said. Local residents said BGB patrols and activities in the border areas have increased significantly in recent days, particularly at night, contributing to greater public vigilance.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has destroyed drugs worth over Tk 3.18 crore in Chuadanga. The destruction took place on Wednesday at 11:00 am at the headquarters of Chuadanga Battalion (6 BGB) under the “Drugs Destruction Programme 2026”. Jashore Region Commander Brigadier General Mahmudul Hasan attended the programme as chief guest. In his address, he said BGB remains firmly committed to building a drug-free Bangladesh. He added that, under the force’s “zero tolerance” policy, BGB members are working day and night along the border to prevent drug smuggling. He described drugs as a complex social problem and stressed that tackling it requires cooperation from all sections of society alongside law enforcement agencies. He urged the public to raise awareness and strengthen social resistance against drugs. The chief guest also praised the professionalism, dedication and efficiency of the members of Chuadanga Battalion (6 BGB) and formally inaugurated the drug destruction programme. According to BGB, between 1 August 2024 and 31 July 2025, drugs and smuggled goods worth about Tk 34.2 crore were seized in various operations in the border areas of Chuadanga and Meherpur. During this period, 49 people were arrested. The seized items included 3,983 bottles of foreign liquor, 10,617 bottles of Indian Phensedyl, 29 bottles of Indian beer, 238.79 kg of cannabis, 1.857 kg of heroin, 1.89 kg of cocaine, 25,485 pieces of narcotic tablets (including Viagra, Senegra and Tapentadol), and 19 injectable narcotic items. BGB continues to conduct regular operations to seize illegal drugs and carries out destruction programmes in the presence of officials to raise awareness and strengthen social resistance against narcotics. Deputy Commissioner of Chuadanga, Chief Judicial Magistrates from Chuadanga and Meherpur, the Additional Superintendent of Police of Chuadanga, other senior officials, and journalists from print and electronic media, also attended the event.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Wednesday said Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been instructed to remain vigilant along borders to prevent any possible push-ins from India following the BJP’s victory in the West Bengal Assembly polls. He made the remarks while talking to reporters after the third session on the fourth and final day of the Deputy Commissioners’ Conference at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital. Replying to a question on whether push-ins of Muslims into Bangladesh might increase following the BJP’s win in West Bengal, the minister said the government has already taken precautionary measures. “We have instructed the BGB to stay alert along borders. Although we do not see such a possibility, we have taken precautions in advance so that we can address the situation if it arises,” he said. Asked about directives to the Deputy Commissioners on maintaining law and order, Salahuddin Ahmed said it is part of their routine responsibilities. “Maintaining law and order is one of their primary duties. The police, district administration and judiciary work in coordination in this regard. It is not about specific directives, but about ensuring effective cooperation within themselves,” he said. The minister also said the ongoing drives against drugs and illegal weapons will continue maintaining a zero-tolerance policy. “Drugs and online gambling are serious threats. If these cannot be controlled, social stability will be undermined,” he said. On online gambling apps, Salahuddin Ahmed said relevant agencies, including Bangladesh Bank and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of police, are taking action. “As we move further into a technology-driven world, the nature of crime is evolving. We are planning to enact necessary laws to address these challenges. A committee has already been formed,” he said. The minister added that authorities are trying to block illegal websites and platforms as much as possible. “Online gambling, drugs and related crimes are now among our top priorities, and we are determined to curb them,” he said.

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has seized a large quantity of smuggled goods worth around Tk 1.90 crore in separate operations in the Sylhet border area. Acting on secret information, the Sylhet Battalion (48 BGB) conducted drives on Sunday in several border areas, including Banglabazar, Kalairag, Minatila, Sangram, Bichnakandi, Pratappur and Sripur, and recovered Indian smuggled goods, said BGB sources. The seized items include 7,264 kg of cumin, 7,200 pieces of skin bright cream, 2,260 sunglasses, 28,944 packets of biscuits, 3,450 pieces of Klop G cream, 1,701 pieces of gel, 495 kg of snakehead fish, one buffalo, 6,772 pieces of chocolate, 285 kg of betel nut, 345 kg of fuchka, 153 trousers, 585 tubes of toothpaste, 100 kg of sugar, 20 cubic feet of stone, one truck, one motorcycle, one trolley and 41 bottles of Indian liquor. The estimated value of the seized goods is Tk 1,90,08,070. Lieutenant Colonel Md Nazmul Haque, commanding officer of Sylhet Battalion (48 BGB), said BGB remains vigilant to ensure border security and prevent smuggling and drug trafficking. “As part of ongoing efforts, a significant amount of illegal goods has been seized. Legal action will be taken as per rules regarding the confiscated items,” he added.