Due to its geographical, geo-strategic, and geo-economic positioning, the border between Bangladesh and India holds strategic importance
Bangladesh is currently moving towards the upcoming general election, scheduled for January 7, 2024. There is a current inclination among the people to participate in voting. Assessing the government’s performance through voting has become a customary practice, and the people of Bangladesh are no exception to this trend.
In light of this, Bangladesh and India have mutually pledged to enhance border surveillance to prevent the influx of materials potentially used for sabotage activities during or leading up to Bangladesh’s upcoming national election.
On 26th November (2023), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen said the two countries (Bangladesh and India) agreed to tightened watch by the border forces–Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Border Security Force (BSF).
The government’s goal has always been the continuation of the democratic process; they advanced this goal by ensuring that the election successfully, the same level of vigilance and determination is being observed to ensure that the elections can take place peacefully and on schedule.
BGB’s roll during national election
The paramilitary force within the country maintains continual readiness to manage a spectrum of situations, including the preservation of law and order during the imminent national election. The admirable role of BGB in aiding civil administration to uphold lawfulness and address emergencies, including natural disasters, receives extensive acknowledgment. BGB holds a significant place in the nation’s struggle for freedom in 1971.
BGB & BSF Amp Up Vigilance Before Polls
- Bangladesh’s upcoming general election on January 7, 2024
- Mutual vigilance pledge between Bangladesh and India for border security during elections
- BGB’s readiness for law enforcement during the national election
- Acknowledgment of BGB’s historical significance and commitment to sovereignty
- BSF’s role in guarding India’s land borders and ensuring peace during elections
- Joint efforts by BGB and BSF to minimize fatalities and cross-border incidents
Since its establishment, BGB has consistently fulfilled the noble duty of safeguarding the country’s sovereignty with exceptional maturity and professionalism. BGB remains ever-prepared to handle any situation, executing assigned responsibilities and ensuring law and order, particularly during elections.
Ahead of the election, the Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB) has deployed 232 platoons not solely at the border but across Bangladesh to counter potential sabotage during the recent nationwide transport blockade instigated by the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami.
Of these, 28 BGB platoons are actively patrolling Dhaka and its neighboring districts, with an average of 30 BGB troopers in each platoon. Officials highlight that this deployment is focused on managing the country’s law and order situation.
BSF’s role during national election
The Border Security Force (BSF), a pivotal component among India’s five central armed police forces, maintains its primary responsibility of safeguarding the nation’s land borders and thwarting transnational crimes during periods of peace.
In light of impending polling activities, the BSF has intensified its vigilance along sensitive border regions, reinforcing efforts to fortify security measures and prevent unauthorized entry into India from neighboring countries. The heightened surveillance aims to ensure the integrity of the electoral process and maintain peace and order across the border areas during this crucial period.
The BSF’s proactive stance underscores its commitment to upholding national security, particularly during sensitive times such as elections.
Authorities within the BSF emphasize the critical role of stringent border surveillance, affirming their dedication to preventing any external interference that could compromise the sanctity of the electoral process. This heightened vigilance aligns with the force’s unwavering commitment to preserving the nation’s sovereignty and upholding law and order along India’s borders.
As the electoral process unfolds, the BSF stands resolute in its vigilance efforts, employing advanced security measures and leveraging its expertise to ensure a secure environment along sensitive border regions. The force’s proactive measures serve as a testament to its dedication to safeguarding the nation’s borders and ensuring the smooth conduct of democratic processes.
Furthermore, concerning trans-border insurgent groups or suspected camps, both sides pledged zero tolerance and committed to simultaneous action against any such groups or activities based on real-time information within their border areas.
Meanwhile, to enhance mutual understanding and bilateral relations between the two friendly forces, both sides agreed to resume all activities under the same framework.
Cross-border Networks in Bangladesh
Authorities are increasingly concerned about the seamless cross-border network facilitating the illegal transportation of arms. The sophistication and well-established connections between Bangladeshi and Indian smugglers continue to pose a substantial challenge for law enforcement agencies in curbing this transnational threat.
The implications of this robust network extend beyond the immediate border regions, as the influx of illicit firearms perpetuates security concerns and raises alarms for authorities on both sides. Stakeholders emphasize the urgent need for joint efforts and enhanced border security measures to combat this escalating issue, aiming to dismantle the smuggling network and ensure regional peace and stability.
Joint Solutions and Cooperation
India and Bangladesh boast a profound civilizational legacy and a multitude of interconnected elements that encompass nearly every facet of their neighborly interactions. The Border Guarding Forces of both nations have dedicated considerable efforts to forge robust frameworks for border collaboration and administration. Nevertheless, the enduring issue of addressing transnational security threats persists, largely due to the lack of a comprehensive regulatory framework. Addressing this challenge requires collective action to rectify existing legal gaps and institute more impactful legislation.
Additionally, in June 2022, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Indian Border Security Force (BSF) reached an agreement to minimize fatalities, injuries, and assaults on unarmed nationals of both nations to zero. This commitment involves implementing additional precautionary measures along the borders.
Security Measures Beefed-up to Ensure Peaceful Elections
The government of Bangladesh is deeply concerned over the surge in illegal drug activities along the border regions due to the alarming rise in drug addiction, detrimentally impacting both national security and public health. Bangladesh is grappling with the severe threat posed by trans-border crimes, which are undermining security and law and order within and across the nation.
In a collaborative effort with India, both countries have pledged to enhance border surveillance to prevent the influx of materials that could be used for sabotage activities during the electoral period. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the agreement, highlighting the tightened watch by border forces—Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Border Security Force (BSF).
In summary, both Bangladesh and India are taking proactive measures to ensure peaceful elections by reinforcing border surveillance and collaborative efforts between the BGB and BSF, demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding national security and upholding the democratic process.
