[🇧🇩] Border Guard Bangladesh

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37,000 BGB members for polls security from today

The Border Guard Bangladesh is going to deploy more than 37,000 members across the country from today to ensure security so that the next Jatiya Sangsad elections can be held in a free, fair, neutral and acceptable manner.

www.newagebd.net

37,000 BGB members for polls security from today

Use of no lethal weapons ordered

Staff Correspondent 31 January, 2026, 18:59

Border Guard Bangladesh members stand guard on a road in Paltan area of the capital on Saturday as security is beefed up ahead of the national elections. | New Age photo

The Border Guard Bangladesh is going to deploy more than 37,000 members across the country from today to ensure security so that the next Jatiya Sangsad elections can be held in a free, fair, neutral and acceptable manner.

BGB Dhaka sector commander Colonel SM Abul Ehsan disclosed it at a press conference at the National Swimming Complex in the capital after visiting different temporary base camps in the city.


‘We will not use any lethal weapons during the forthcoming elections,’ he said.

The announcement of the deployment of BGB personnel came at a time when electoral violence was increasing ahead of the election.

Alongside protecting 4,427 kilometres of border, the BGB Dhaka sector commander said, BGB is going to deploy more than 37,000 members across the country ahead of the election, scheduled for February 12.Daily newspaper subscription

Abul Ehsan also said that they had set up 42 temporary base camps in 53 constituencies in Dhaka division that include the areas of four city corporations - Dhaka North City Corporation, Dhaka South City Corporation, Narayanganj City Corporation and Gazipur City Corporation.

‘The BGB has already given special training on elections to all members so that they can tackle any situation maintaining professionalism,’ he said.

The BGB’s Rapid Action Team, Quick Response Force and Helicopters will always be prepared to address any emergency situation during the election, he said.

He said that BGB members would use body-worn cameras, night vision devices, metal detectors, armoured personnel carriers, modern signals and communication devices.

‘Besides, BGB will also conduct special search operations with the K-9 unit with dogs, he added.

According to the BGB, the border force has more than 60,000 members and they would deploy over 37,000 members during the elections, while 23,000 would be deployed on the borders.

According to the rights group Ain O Salish Kendra, at least 10 people were killed and 555 others injured in 65 political clashes between January 1 and January 28.

Of them, four people were killed and 353 were injured in 42 incidents in seven days from January 21 to January 28.​

 

[Saif]

PM pledges to modernise, consolidate border force

Prime minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said that his government would further modernise and consolidate the border force so that its members could carry out their duties with patriotism and professional excellence...

www.newagebd.net

PM pledges to modernise, consolidate border force
Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha . Dhaka 26 February, 2026, 00:01

An elderly woman pays tribute to the martyred military officers, killed during the BDR carnage in 2009, at the Banani graveyard in the capital marking National Martyred Army Day on Wednesday. | New Age photo

Prime minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said that his government would further modernise and consolidate the border force so that its members could carry out their duties with patriotism and professional excellence.

‘After a long struggle, a government elected by the people’s verdict is now in power. On issues concerning the country, we will further modernise and consolidate the border force. And our [border force] members will perform their duties with patriotism and professional excellence,’ he said.

Tarique made the remarks while speaking at a views exchange meeting at the army headquarters in Dhaka on the occasion of the National Martyred Army Day, commemorating the BDR carnage on February 25 and 26 in 2009.

Home minister Salahuddin Ahmed, prime minister’s defence adviser retired Brigadier General AKM Shamsul Islam, chiefs of three services, Border Guard Bangladesh director general, senior army officials and family members and relatives of those who embraced martyrdom at Pilkhana in 2009 as well as the army officers who continue to carry the painful memories of that incident were present at the event.

Referring to the historic roots of the border force, he said that they are embedded in the nation’s independence.

Since the beginning of the great Liberation War, the border force along with the Bangladesh army has been making unforgettable contributions to the country, he added.

Later, the prime miniter said, Shaheed president Ziaur Rahman placed special emphasis on strengthening the border force through infrastructural development and reforms.

The number of qualified and talented army officers sent to BDR on deputation was increased, he said, adding, in 1978, the force was reorganised in military fashion, with wings converted into battalions and two new battalions added, marking a significant milestone in its history.

At the onset of his speech, Tarique recalled the valiant martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War, those who sacrificed their lives in the 1990 mass uprising and the 2024 mass uprising with due respect.

Describing February 25 as a bloodstained and grief-stricken day in the nation’s history, the prime minister said that whenever this day comes, nature itself seems to fall silent under the weight of memory and mourning, and the air carries the cries of that horrific moment.

‘The brutal incident of February 25 and 26 in 2009, left a deep wound in our national life, the pain of which still lingers on Wednesday, despite the passage of time,’ Tarique said.

‘Standing on the grounds filled with the memories of the martyrs on Wednesday after 17 years of the incident, my voice is growing heavy. I came before you not only as an elected public representative but also as a member of an army family and as the son of a fellow soldier,’ he added.

Stressing that remembering the Pilkhana tragedy with state honour is a national responsibility, he said, ‘If we do not give national recognition to the incidents of February 25 and 26 in the history, future generations will not forgive us’.

Therefore, the premier said the current government will work to preserve the memory of those days.

About the army, he said the army has a glorious history in Bangladesh’s Liberation War and in the nation-building after the independence, adding, ‘Army is the symbol of our sovereignty. I think, the Pilkhana tragedy was an ill-attempt to foil that sovereignty’.

Stating that the Pilkhana incident exposed the weaknesses of the country’s national security framework, the prime minister put emphasis on making national security framework more modern, timely and strong, keeping pace with the globe.

‘Our government will work toward this goal. Simultaneously, we reiterate our commitment to establish long-term security arrangements for the education, treatment, and rehabilitation of the children of martyred families', Tarique said.​