Children replace adults in smuggling

Three children carrying smuggled goods near a border point in Chuadanga. Children are now being used in smuggling increasingly in borders.. PHOTO: STAR

Smugglers' syndicates have recruited children to smuggle goods from India, as border guards are not allowing Bangladeshi 'adults' to come closer to the border even during day time since the August 17 serial bomb blasts.

Alongside increased vigilance, BSF has reinforced its strength in all border outposts, sources said. BSF is using searchlight at night to check cross-border illegal movement, they said.

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To continue smuggling, smugglers' syndicates are now using children in the illegal trade. There are at least 20 smugglers' syndicates active in Kushtia, Meherpur, Chuadanga and Jhenidah border areas.

At least 5000 children are now engaged in carrying smuggled goods in different border points in the districts, the sources said.

This correspondent recently visited some border points in Meherpur, Chuadanga and Jhenidah and found children aged between 10 and 15 carrying smuggled goods. Most of them are from poor families.

Talking to this correspondent, some BDR officials said smuggling has reduced and small quantities are now being carried by children by dodging border guards.

Other sources said though use children for smuggling is not new, it has increased sharply as adults now keep away.

The sources said BSF killed ten people in southwestern border points since August.