Summary:
- The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been authorized to use sound grenades and tear gas shells to enhance border security following recent clashes at the Chapainawabganj border.
- The decision aims to provide non-lethal alternatives for the BGB, addressing gaps in equipment compared to India’s Border Security Force (BSF).
- The government is also tackling illegal foreign residents, reducing their numbers from over 49,000 to approximately 33,648 as of January 2025.
- A BGB-BSF conference next month will address ongoing border disputes and strengthen bilateral cooperation.
The Bangladesh government has authorized the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to use sound grenades and tear gas shells as non-lethal measures to maintain security along its borders. This decision, announced on January 20, 2025, by Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, comes in response to escalating tensions and recent clashes between Indian and Bangladeshi citizens at the Chapainawabganj border.
During a press briefing at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Dhaka, Lt Gen Jahangir Alam explained that while the BGB has traditionally been equipped with lethal weapons, it lacked non-lethal alternatives such as sound grenades and tear gas. This gap became evident during a confrontation on January 18, when India’s Border Security Force (BSF) reportedly used these non-lethal tools to disperse crowds, leaving the BGB without comparable options. He emphasized that the new measures aim to enhance BGB’s capacity to respond effectively to border incidents without resorting to lethal force.
The procurement process for these items has already been approved and will commence shortly. The adviser underscored the importance of equipping the BGB with state-of-the-art tools to address challenges such as smuggling, infiltration, and other border-related law enforcement issues. He noted that strengthening BGB operations is crucial for maintaining order and ensuring quick responses in critical situations.
Tensions at the Chapainawabganj border have been high in recent weeks. On January 18, clashes erupted in the Kaliganj area of Shibganj Upazila when hundreds of Indian nationals, allegedly supported by the BSF, crossed into Bangladeshi territory. The confrontation involved crude bomb detonations and tear gas usage by Indian forces. Bangladeshi residents responded by chasing intruders, leading to injuries on both sides. The BGB has since increased its presence in the area to stabilize the situation.
These developments follow a broader pattern of disputes along the India-Bangladesh border. Earlier this month, tensions flared over barbed-wire fencing construction by the BSF near Binodpur union in Chapainawabganj. The BGB successfully halted the construction, citing violations of bilateral agreements.
In addition to addressing immediate security concerns, the Bangladeshi government is also tackling issues related to illegal foreign residents within its borders. According to Lt Gen Jahangir Alam, as of October 30 last year, there were over 49,000 undocumented foreigners in Bangladesh—a number that has since decreased to approximately 33,648. The government has issued a directive requiring all foreign nationals without proper documentation to apply for permission by January 31 or face legal action.
Lt Gen Jahangir Alam also highlighted ongoing diplomatic efforts with India to resolve border-related disputes. A conference between the director generals of the BGB and BSF is scheduled for next month, where these issues will be discussed further. Despite slow progress on some matters involving foreign relations, he expressed optimism about achieving cooperative solutions.
The authorization of non-lethal tools marks a significant step in modernizing BGB’s operational capabilities while prioritizing de-escalation during cross-border conflicts. As tensions persist at various points along the India-Bangladesh border, both nations face increasing pressure to address security challenges through dialogue and mutual understanding.
Source: TBS News
