Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said that the government has taken an initiative to construct barbed-wire fencing along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border to curb cross-border crime, while similar measures are also being considered for sensitive areas along the India border.
He made the remarks on Wednesday in parliament while responding to a question from ruling BNP lawmaker Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas.
The minister said, “The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) is implementing integrated measures to prevent border killings, illegal infiltration, and the smuggling of drugs and arms.”
He added that patrol activities have been strengthened through the establishment of new Border Outposts and Temporary Observation Bases.
“Smart Border Surveillance Systems have also been installed in sensitive areas along the south-western and north-western frontiers,” he said.
Responding to another question, the minister said, “The present government is committed to combating narcotics, mugging and juvenile gangs. Public awareness and law enforcement activities have been intensified through beat policing, community policing, courtyard meetings and special operations.”
“Regular drives against drug traffickers and users are continuing. At the same time, surveillance has been increased to curb the online activities of juvenile gangs,” he added.
Border killings ‘deeply regrettable’
The home minister also responded to a written question tabled by ruling party reserved-seat lawmaker Nilufar Chowdhury Moni.
He said, “The killing of innocent Bangladeshi citizens by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) along the border is deeply regrettable and constitutes a clear violation of human rights. The issue has been raised strongly at every border conference between the Directors General of the BGB and BSF.”
He added that Bangladesh has consistently opposed the use of lethal weapons under the pretext of self-defence during bilateral meetings.
“Although no specific institutional agreement has yet been reached regarding financial assistance for the families of those killed by BSF gunfire, Bangladesh has continuously pressed for accountability and compensation at various levels,” he said.
The minister also outlined the outcomes of past meetings with India, saying that under sustained diplomatic pressure, the BSF had on several occasions pledged to reduce the use of lethal weapons and rely more on non-lethal alternatives.
“The Government of Bangladesh and the BGB are working tirelessly to reduce border incidents to zero, while discussions at the diplomatic level remain ongoing,” he added.
