United News of Bangladesh

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.  

Members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) recovered Indian drugs and smuggled medicines in separate operations along the Maheshpur border in Jhenaidah on Friday. Munshi Imdadur Rahman, Assistant Director of Moheshpur Battalion, (58 BGB), was confirmed the information by a press release on Friday afternoon. According to the release, a patrol team from Rajapur BOP under Maheshpur Battalion conducted a drive led by Nayeb Subedar Tapas Sarkar. During the operation, they recovered 35 bottles of Indian Eskuf syrup and a motorcycle abandoned on a paved road in front of the house of one Monirul Islam at Singnagar village, about 2 km inside Bangladesh from border pillar 72/4-S. Drugs worth over Tk 37 lakh seized in BGB operation along Kushtia border No one was arrested in connection with the seizure. In another operation in the area under Shyamkur BOP, a BGB team led by Havildar Md Eklim conducted a search about 100 yards inside Bangladesh from border pillar 60/105-S. The team recovered 1,040 pieces of Indian medicines from a bamboo grove belonging to one Abdul Malek in Milebariya village. The estimated value of the seized smuggled goods is Tk 3.12 lakh, according to BGB. No arrests were made in this connection either. Assistant Director Munshi Imdadur Rahman, said BGB will continue its hard stance and patrol activities to prevent smuggling and drug trafficking along the border.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has recovered 1,40,000 Yaba pills from the Palangkhali border in Ukhia upazila of Cox's Bazar. Based on a secret source, a patrol team of Ukhia Battalion (64 BGB) took position in Guiza Canal area of Baharpara and challenged a suspected drug smuggler entering Bangladesh from Myanmar. Sensing the presence of BGB, the person quickly fled towards Myanmar leaving behind a bag he was carrying, said a BGB press release. The Yaba pills worth Tk 4.20 crore were recovered from packets inside plastic bags. Intelligence surveillance has been increased to identify and arrest the escaped drug smuggler,  Ukhia Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Md. Zahirul Islam said.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) members seized smuggled goods including drugs worth Tk 56 lakh from different borders in the district in 24 hours till Saturday morning. According to BGB sources ,a team of Kurigram Battalion (22 BGB) conducted drives at different places and seized the goods. The seized goods include mobile phone displays, a motorcycle and various types of narcotics. Commander of Kurigram Battalion (22 BGB) Lt. Col. Mohammad Mahbub-ul-Haq said that BGB is following zero tolerance policy as per instructions its headquarters to prevent drug and smuggling in border areas. The members of the battalion are continuously performing their duties with utmost vigilance, efficiency and professionalism to ensure border security, prevent smuggling and prevent illegal infiltration, he added.