Desk News

Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has instructed the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to maintain the highest level of vigilance along the country’s borders in an effort to curb illegal infiltration, push-ins, human trafficking, and other forms of transnational crime.

The directives were issued during the minister’s visit to the BGB Headquarters at Pilkhana in Dhaka on July 20, where he reviewed the force’s operational preparedness and addressed officers and personnel on the importance of strengthening border security.

Speaking at an interaction meeting held at Shaheed Shakil Ahmed Hall, Salahuddin Ahmed called on BGB members to intensify their efforts to prevent illegal border crossings, drug and arms smuggling, human trafficking, and other cross-border criminal activities.

“Maintain the highest level of vigilance along the borders alongside strengthening maximum efforts to prevent illegal infiltration, push-ins, drug and arms smuggling, human trafficking, and other cross-border crimes,” the Home Minister told BGB personnel.

He emphasized that safeguarding Bangladesh’s borders requires not only strict enforcement but also professionalism, discipline, and integrity from every member of the force. The minister urged personnel to carry out their responsibilities with patriotism while upholding the chain of command, mutual respect, and professional conduct.

Salahuddin Ahmed also warned against the spread of rumours and misinformation, advising BGB members to rely solely on verified information while performing their duties. He stressed that maintaining discipline and making informed decisions are essential to ensuring effective border management.

Highlighting the evolving nature of security challenges, the Home Minister underscored the need for greater use of modern technology and intelligence capabilities in monitoring the country’s frontiers. He said technological tools and intelligence-driven operations would enhance the BGB’s ability to detect and prevent illegal activities along the borders.

In addition to security responsibilities, the minister called on the force to strengthen public confidence in border communities by maintaining close engagement with local residents. He also encouraged BGB personnel to continue playing a humanitarian role during natural disasters and national emergencies while ensuring neutrality, accountability, and strict adherence to the rule of law in carrying out their duties.

Expressing confidence in the force, Salahuddin Ahmed said BGB members would continue to protect the country’s sovereignty and national interests with dedication and professionalism under the organization’s motto, “Bangladesh First.”

The Home Minister arrived at the BGB Headquarters at around 11:00 a.m., where he was received with a guard of honour presented by a BGB contingent. During the visit, he received a comprehensive briefing on the force’s operational activities, training programmes, administrative functions, and ongoing development initiatives.

BGB Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, senior headquarters officials, junior commissioned officers (JCOs), other ranks, and civilian officers and employees attended the meeting. BGB personnel stationed at regional headquarters, sector headquarters, battalions, and Border Outposts (BOPs) across the country also participated virtually.

Following the interaction session, the Home Minister signed the visitors’ book and toured several key installations at the BGB Headquarters, including the “Simanta Gourab,” the 2009 Martyrs’ Memorial, and the “Dipta Simanta” Specialized Educational Institution. He also planted a tree at the “Simanta Kunj” area before speaking with journalists.

The visit comes as Bangladesh continues to prioritize stronger border management to address illegal migration, transnational crime, and security challenges while enhancing the operational capabilities of the country’s border guarding force.