BGB to raise 19 new battalions
The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) will shortly raise 19 new battalions to strengthen the force and restore people's confidence in it.
This was disclosed by BGB Director General Maj Gen Md Rafiqul Islam while opening a new building for Noapur border outpost in Phulgazi upazila yesterday.
Gen Rafiq informed the jawans that observation towers will be constructed to monitor the movement of the Indian BSF on the border.
Proposal has been made to the government for procuring 17,000 motorbikes for use of the troops posted at border outposts to improve their mobility, he added.
He said distance between the outposts will be brought down to 5km. Four regional headquarters will be set up with fresh recruitments.
The BGB chief cautioned the jawans, saying “rumours are still in the air to destabilise the situation. I'm under constant threat of life. I have been asked to remain prepared wearing the cerecloth.”
The director general said he feels very sorry for the distressed families of six thousand misguided troops who were involved in the mutiny. Losing jobs, they are now in prison or on the way resulting immense sufferings to their families. But he did not say how to assist the distressed families.
On shooting down Bangladesh nationals along the border by Indian BSF, he said pressure was being exerted on the Indian side to strictly adhere to the rules of engagement allowing firing gunshots below the hips to avoid killing.
About half a dozen of Bangladeshi nationals including cattle traders were shot dead by BSF along the border during the last two months despite repeated assurance by India to restrain its border troops.
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