PM said as per BGB’s new organizational structure, five regional headquarters have been set up in last 12 years while the command structure decentralization has made the force more dynamic.
Border Security Bureau has been established by strengthening BGB’s intelligence unit and four new sectors, five regional intelligence bureaus and 15 battalions have also been set up alongside completing the reform activities by introducing 140 new border outposts, 34 BSPs and an air wing.
Mentioning that her government since 2009 has so far appointed 30,146 personnel, the Prime Minister said there is also a plan to increase manpower by another 15,000 in three phases.
In the first phase, process for a region headquarters, a sector headquarters, four battalions, a K-9 unit, a region intelligence bureau, a station headquarters and a guard police battalion comprising 4,282 personnel is underway which would be completed by 2022, she continued.
Besides, a proposal is under consideration to establish a sector, five battalions, a reserve battalion, a K-9 unit and training centre comprising with 5,782 personnel as well as an increase of manpower for five border guard hospitals in second phase, said Sheikh Hasina.
She said women empowerment has been ensured in this force by appointing female soldiers first in 2015 and now the number of female soldiers is 841.
A scheme has also been taken to install a smart digital surveillance and tactical response system in 328km border on priority basis to stop smuggling, she added.
In addition, the premier said, digital mobile radio (DMR) network is being established for direct communication between remote BOPs, BOP patrolling and headquarters to strengthen operation activities.
She said 120 all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) have been procured to bring dynamism in BGB’s patrolling to prevent smuggling while 12 APCs and 10 riot control vehicles for overall protection in border and domestic security.
Moreover, 12 high-speed boats and two pontoons have been incorporated with BGB, Sheikh Hasina said, adding the process of procuring two modern first crafts, seven sea going modern high-speed boats, two marinas and two trailers for BGB is underway.
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KrAZ Spartan APC of BGB
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