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{{short description|Border security agency of the Bangladesh government}}
#REDIRECT [[Border Guard Bangladesh]]
{{EngvarB|date=February 2022}}
 
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2022}}
{{Redirect category shell|
{{Infobox law enforcement agency
{{R from move}}
| agencyname      = Border Guard Bangladesh
| nativenamea      = {{lang|bn|বর্ডার গার্ড বাংলাদেশ}}
| nativenamer      =
| patch            =
| patchcaption    =
| logo            = বর্ডার গার্ড বাংলাদেশের মনোগ্রাম.svg
| logocaption      = Monogram of BGB
| badge            =
| badgecaption    =
| flag            = বর্ডার গার্ড বাংলাদেশের পতাকা.svg
| flagcaption      = Flag of Border Guard Bangladesh
| image_size      =
| commonname      =
| abbreviation    = BGB
| motto            = {{lang|bn|সীমান্তের অতন্দ্র প্রহরী}}
| mottotranslated  = Vigilant guard at the border
| formed          = {{start date|1795|06|29|df=y}} as Ramgarh Local Battalion
| preceding1      = Bangladesh Rifles
| preceding2      = East Pakistan Rifles
| preceding3      = Frontier Guard
| preceding4      = Bengal Military Police
| preceding5      = Ramgarh Local Battalion
| dissolved        =
| superseding      =
| employees        = 70,000<ref name="Military Balance" /><ref name="ind18Sep2018" />
| volunteers      =
| governingbody    = [[Ministry of Home Affairs (Bangladesh)|Ministry of Home Affairs]]
| budget          =
| country          = Bangladesh
| constitution1    = Border Guard Bangladesh Act, 2010
| speciality1      = border
| overviewtype    =
| overviewbody    =
| headquarters    = [[Pilkhana, Bangladesh]]
| sworntype        =
| sworn            =
| unsworntype      =
| unsworn          =
| minister1name    =
| minister1pfo      =
| chief1name      = [[Major General]] [[Shakil Ahmed (officer)|Shakil Ahmed]]
| chief1position  = [[Director General of Border Guards Bangladesh|Director General]]
| chief2name      = [[Brigadier General]] Benazir Ahmed
| chief2position  = [[Additional Director General]]
| parentagency    =
| child1agency    = <!-- up to | child7agency = -->
| boat1type        = Vessel
| boat3type = Boat
| boats1          = [[Patrol boat|Coastal Patrol Vessel]], [[Patrol boat|Interceptor Vessel]]
| boats3 = [[Airboat]]
| aircraft1type    = Helicopter
| aircraft1        = [[Mil Mi-17#Variants|Mi-171E]]
| activitytype    = Battles
| activity1name    = {{ubl|[[1958 East Pakistan–India border skirmish]]|[[Bangladesh Liberation War]]|[[Chittagong Hill Tracts conflict]]|[[2001 Bangladeshi-Indian border skirmish]]|[[2015 Bangladesh–Arakan Army border clash]]}}
| anniversary1    = 20 December
| award1          = {{plainlist|
* 1. [[Bir Sreshtho]] {{Flagicon image|Bir Sreshtho ribbon.svg|size=40px}}
* 2. [[Bir Uttom]] {{Flagicon image|Bir Uttom ribbon.svg|size=40px}}
* 3. [[Bir Bikrom]] {{Flagicon image|Bir Bikrom.svg|size=40px}}
* 4. [[Bir Protik]] {{Flagicon image|Bir Protik ribbon.svg|size=40px}}
}}
}}
| website          = {{URL|http://www.bgb.gov.bd}}
| footnotes        =
[[Service dress uniform|Service uniform]]: Moroon, Mocha<br />{{colour box|#7B1113}}{{colour box|#967969}}<br />[[Combat uniform]]: Maroon, Mocha, Dark Green, Black<br />{{colour box|#7B1113}}{{colour box|#967969}}{{colour box|#1B4D3E}}{{colour box|#000000}}
}}
'''Border Guards Bangladesh''' ('''BGB''') are a paramilitary force responsible for the border security of Bangladesh. The force is known as "The Vigilant Sentinels of the National Frontier".<ref name="Bangladesh">[http://bgb.gov.bd/ Bangladesh]</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/city/maj-gen-shafeenul-new-dg-bgb-1551307 |title=Maj Gen Shafeenul new DG of BGB |work=The Daily Star |access-date=24 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8544160.stm |title=Bangladesh Rifles to get new name |work=BBC News |date=1 March 2010 |access-date=26 April 2022}}</ref> The BGB is entrusted with the responsibility to defend the {{convert|4427|km}} border of Bangladesh.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KqTIhTWuAXcC&q=border+Bangladesh+4427+km&pg=PA73 |title=The Bengal Borderland: Beyond State and Nation in South Asia |last=Schendel |first=Willem van |date=2005-01-01 |publisher=Anthem Press |isbn=9781843311454 |pages=73 |language=en}}</ref> It was formerly known as the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR).
BGB boasts a military history spanning over two centuries.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nWqsAgAAQBAJ&q=Ramgarh+Local+Battalion&pg=PT90 |title=India's National Security: Annual Review 2009 |last=Kumar |first=Satish |date=2012-02-27 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=9781136704901 |language=en}}</ref> During peacetime this force is also responsible for anti-smuggling operations, investigating cross border crime and extending governmental authority to remote and isolated areas. From time to time BGB has also been called upon to assist the administration in the maintenance of internal law & order, relief and rehabilitation work after any kind of natural disaster.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/city/bgb-deployed-dhaka-175864 |title=Dhaka jail's security boosted, BGB deployed |date=2015-11-21 |work=The Daily Star |access-date=2017-04-13 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/news/bgb-man-shot-dead-in-comilla |title=BGB man shot dead in Comilla |date=2013-11-26 |work=The Daily Star |access-date=2017-04-13 |language=en}}</ref> During wartime BGB comes under the control of the Ministry of Defence as an auxiliary force to the [[Bangladesh Army]].
==History==
===Formation and pre 1947===
==== Ramgarh Local Battalion ====
The [[Ramgarh Local Battalion]] was established on 29 June 1795 at the city of [[Ramgarh Upazila|Ramgarh]],<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BksqAQAAIAAJ&q=Ramgarh+Local+Battalion |title=South Asia Defence and Strategic Year Book |date=2009-01-01 |publisher=Panchsheel |pages=273 |language=en}}</ref> consisting of 486 personnel, known as the "Frontier Protection Force", under the command of the [[East India Company]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bJfcCPUr0OoC&q=Ramgarh+Local+Battalion&pg=PA44 |title=Historical Dictionary of Bangladesh |last=Rahman |first=Syedur |date=27 April 2010 |publisher=Scarecrow Press |isbn=9780810874534 |pages=44 |language=en}}</ref> Later the force was converted into a paramilitary unit with its own name (Ramgarh Local Battalion) and uniform. At that time its primary responsibility was to suppress insurgent activities around the Ramgarh area.
==== Special Reserve Company ====
During 1799, the force established its first camp at [[Pilkhana, Bangladesh|Pilkhana]], where the headquarters remain to this day. The camp unit then was known as "Special Reserve Company".
==== Frontier Guards ====
The Ramgarh Local Battalion was renamed the "Frontier Guards" and remained so for thirty years from 1861 to 1891.
==== Bengal Military Police ====
From 1891 till 1920, the Frontier Guards were re-organized, equipped with modern weapons and renamed once again as the "Bengal Military Police".<ref name=":0" /> Commanded by a [[Subedar]] ([[Senior Warrant Officer]]), the BMP had four companies located in [[Dhaka]], Dhumka and [[Gangtok]]. This force also participated in the [[First World War]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dQR6DQAAQBAJ&q=Eastern+Frontier+Rifles&pg=PT190 |title=Indigenous Identity in South Asia: Making Claims in the Colonial Chittagong Hill Tracts |last=Chowdhury |first=Tamina M. |date=2016-11-10 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=9781317202929 |language=en}}</ref>
==== Eastern Frontier Rifles ====
The BMP was reorganised yet once again and renamed the "[[Eastern Frontier Rifles]]" in 1920. Its primary task was to protect the borders. It also took part in numerous military operations during the [[Second World War]].<ref name=":1" />
===East Pakistan Rifles===
{{expand section|date=September 2022}}
After the [[partition of India]], the Eastern Frontier Rifles were re-grouped and renamed the "East Pakistan Rifles" (EPR) in 1947.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KqTIhTWuAXcC&q=Eastern+Frontier+Rifles&pg=PA108 |title=The Bengal Borderland: Beyond State and Nation in South Asia |last=Schendel |first=Willem van |date=2005-01-01 |publisher=Anthem Press |isbn=9781843311454 |pages=108 |language=en}}</ref> It was the primary border protection force of [[East Pakistan]]. A number of Metropolitan Armed Police of Calcutta and some 1,000 ex-soldiers of [[West Pakistan]] merged into this force. Officers from the army were transferred to command and reorganize EPR.{{clarify|date=September 2022}} In 1958, it was also assigned anti-smuggling duties on top of its primary role as border guards. Major [[Tufail Mohammad]] was awarded the highest military award of Pakistan, '[[Nishan-e-Haider]]', for his action in the Laksmipur Operation.{{clarify|date=September 2022}}<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/348152-Maj-Tufail-Shaheed-remembered-on-his-58th-death-a |title=Maj. Tufail Shaheed remembered on his 58th death anniversary – Pakistan – Dunya News |work=dunyanews.tv |access-date=2017-04-24}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://nation.com.pk/national/09-Aug-2016/maj-tufail-shaheed-remembered |title=Maj Tufail Shaheed remembered |work=The Nation |access-date=2017-04-24 |language=en-US}}</ref> In the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965]] this force fought in a number of skirmishes in Lathitila, Dohogram, Laksmipur, Assalong and Boroibari.  [[File:Bangladeshi Rifles training.jpg|thumbnail|left|A Bangladesh Rifles [[Subedar]] ([[Senior warrant officer]]) (left in yellow/green outfit) applies a mechanical advantage control/hold to a [[United States Marine Corps]] soldier during a military training/exercise.]]
===Bangladesh Liberation War 1971===
During the [[Bangladesh Liberation War]] of 1971, nearly nine thousand of the members of the East Pakistan Rifles (EPR) turned against the [[Pakistan Army]] following the Declaration of Independence of Bangladesh at Kalurghat Radio Station, Chittagong. Eight hundred and seventeen EPR personnel were subsequently reported as being killed in action. The East Pakistan Rifles were the border security and anti-smuggling force stationed in what was to become independent Bangladesh. It was commanded by [[Junior Commissioned Officer]]s (JCO) at the company level.{{citation needed|date=September 2022}} All EPR companies were based within {{convert|5|mi|km|0|order=flip}} of the international boundary. There were two senior commissioned officers, seconded from the Pakistan Army in command of each Wing (battalion) of the EPR. In March 1971, there were 12 EPR Wings. The entire force according to CIA estimates had 10,000 enlisted personnel.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2017/03/09/east-pakistan-many-pro-pakistani-army-officers/ |title=East Pakistan had many pro-Pakistani army officers |date=2017-03-09 |work=Dhaka Tribune |access-date=2017-04-24 |language=en-US}}</ref>
At the outbreak of the Bangladesh Liberation War, the EPR were the first Bengali military unit to defect from the Pakistan forces; moving to Sholashahar and the main military cantonment, while calling on all Bengali soldiers to join them. Reportedly West Pakistani officers serving with the EPR were executed by their Bengali colleagues. On 26 March, the Pakistan Army sent troops to suppress the EPR. The EPR ambushed them but the Pakistanis managed to encircle them. As a result, the EPR took heavy losses at Kumira.<ref>(Major Rafiq: A Tale of Millions, Page 56)</ref>{{failed verification|date=April 2022}}
===Bangladesh Rifles===
On 29 January 1972, the East Pakistan Rifles were renamed the Bangladesh Rifles with the officers seconded from Bangladesh Army.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bJfcCPUr0OoC&q=1972+Bangladesh+Rifles&pg=PA45 |title=Historical Dictionary of Bangladesh |last=Rahman |first=Syedur |date=2010-04-27 |publisher=Scarecrow Press |isbn=9780810874534 |pages=45 |language=en}}</ref> Bangladesh Rifles initially had 9 thousand personnel in 1971 which by 1973 had increased to 20 thousand.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bm-bBQAAQBAJ&q=Bangladesh+Rifles+defense&pg=PA161 |title=Bangladesh Country Study Guide Volume 1 Strategic Information and Developments |last=USA |first=IBP |date=2012-03-03 |publisher=Lulu.com |isbn=9781438773896 |pages=161 |language=en}}{{self-published source|date=June 2022}}</ref>{{self-published inline|date=February 2022}} Bangladesh Rifles and Indian [[Border Security Force]]s exchanged fired near the Comilla-Tripura border throughout the entire month of December 1979.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1979/12/03/archives/india-and-bangladesh-trade-fire-in-border-dispute-negotiations.html |title=India and Bangladesh Trade Fire in Border Dispute |date=1979-12-03 |work=The New York Times |access-date=2017-04-24 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> In 1996 Bangladesh Rifles personal had grown to 69 thousand.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RFywfJunO1wC&q=Bangladesh+Rifles+defense&pg=PA38 |title=Bangladesh |last1=Whyte |first1=Mariam |last2=Yong |first2=Jui Lin |date=2009-09-01 |publisher=Marshall Cavendish |isbn=9780761444756 |pages=38 |language=en}}</ref> [[File:BSF and BGB.JPG|thumb|BSF and BGB]]
===Bangladesh–India border clashes 2001===
{{Main|2001 Bangladesh–India border clashes}}
The [[2001 Bangladesh–India border clashes|2001 Indian–Bangladeshi border conflict]] took place in the third week of April 2001 between companies of the Bangladesh Rifles and the Indian Border Security Force on the poorly marked international border between the two countries. This was the worst border conflict Bangladesh was involved in since Independence. The 16–19 April fighting took place around the village of Padua (known as Pyrdiwah in India), which adjoins the Indian state of [[Meghalaya]] and the Timbil area of the Bangladesh border in the Sylhet district. In that area, 6.5 kilometres of the border have remained in dispute for the past 30 years. The trigger for the clash appears to have been an attempt by Indian forces to construct a footpath from an army outpost in Padua across a disputed territory some 300 metres wide to Indian Meghalaya.
On 15 April 2001, the BDR attacked and captured Pyrdiwah village.
Both sides later deescalated and returned to the original positions on the border. This incident left 16 Indian [[Border Security Force]] paramilitary men dead and 3 Bangladesh Rifles men dead with 5 other BDR troops injured.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1284789.stm |title=Fresh Bangladesh border clash |date=19 April 2001 |publisher=BBC |access-date=3 April 2022}}</ref>
On 19 April 2005, two BSF personnel were killed in an encounter with Bangladesh Rifles inside Bangladesh territory. According to Bangladesh side, the BSF personnel entered Bangladesh without uniforms and attacked a village.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Dhaka denounces 'unprovoked' attack by BSF |url=http://archive.thedailystar.net/2005/04/19/d5041901055.htm |url-status=live |access-date=2021-04-18 |work=The Daily Star}}</ref> According to India they were dragged into Bangladesh and knifed to death.<ref>{{Cite web |title=India mute on Jeevan Kumar's slaughter |url=https://www.rediff.com/news/2005/apr/19kanch.htm |access-date=2021-04-18 |website=www.rediff.com}}</ref>
===BDR Mutiny 2009===
{{Main|Bangladesh Rifles revolt}}
On 25 February 2009, regular [[Bangladesh Rifles revolt|BDR soldiers mutinied]] against their officers who were seconded from the Bangladesh Army.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/26/world/asia/26bangla.html |title=Army's Border Guards Rebel in Bangladesh |last1=Manik |first1=Julfikar Ali |date=2009-02-25 |work=The New York Times |access-date=2017-04-24 |last2=Sengupta |first2=Somini |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The mutiny took place when senior commanders were in Dhaka for convocation or durbar.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/dhaka/2017/02/25/8-years-gruesome-bdr-mutiny-still-memory/ |title=8 years on, gruesome BDR mutiny still in memory |date=2017-02-25 |work=Dhaka Tribune |access-date=2017-04-24 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://content.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1882554,00.html |title=After the Mutiny, Questions About Bangladesh's Army |last=Sobhan |first=Zafar |date=2009-03-02 |work=Time |access-date=2017-04-24 |issn=0040-781X}}</ref> A total of 74 people were killed in the Mutiny.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/14/world/asia/14bangla.html |title=Bangladeshi Premier Faces a Grim Crucible |last=Sengupta |first=Somini |date=2009-03-13 |work=The New York Times |access-date=2017-04-24 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Many senior officers were killed, including almost the entire higher echelon of the command structure – about 57 army officers who were present in the Bangladesh Rifles' headquarters in the capital Dhaka. These included the Director General of the BDR. The soldiers mutinied due to reasons which largely remain unknown, though resentment at officers being seconded from Bangladesh army and allegations of corruption are believed to have been among the causes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bangladeshchronicle.net/index.php/2013/02/pilkhana-massacre-collaborator-mixes-in-the-crowd |title=Pilkhana massacre collaborator mixes in the crowd |work=The Bangladesh Chronicle |agency=Weekly Blitz |access-date=22 January 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307070434/http://www.bangladeshchronicle.net/index.php/2013/02/pilkhana-massacre-collaborator-mixes-in-the-crowd |archive-date=7 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7910837.stm |title=Bangladesh becomes battle zone |date=25 February 2009 |publisher=BBC |access-date=3 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-12123651 |title=Bangladesh tries 800 soldiers for bloody 2009 mutiny |work=BBC News |access-date=3 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/02/25/bangladesh.gunbattle/index.html |title=Dozens feared dead in Bangladesh mutiny |publisher=CNN |access-date=3 April 2022}}</ref>
[[File:Dahgram BGB Check post sign.jpg|thumb|Dahgram BGB Check post sign]]
After 30 hours, being surrounded by Bangladesh Army tanks, the mutineers surrendered with about 6,000 of them taken under arrest, ending the mutiny.<ref name="hrw">{{cite web |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2012/07/04/bangladesh-torture-deaths-jailed-mutiny-suspects |title=Human Rights Watch Report on Bangladesh Rifles Mutiny Trial |publisher=Human Rights Watch |date=4 July 2012 |access-date=29 June 2022}}</ref> In November 2013, Bangladesh sentenced 152 mutineers from Bangladesh Rifles to death.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/06/world/asia/152-soldiers-given-death-penalty-over-revolt-in-bangladesh.html |title=152 Bangladeshi Border Guards Get Death Penalty Over Revolt |last1=Manik |first1=Julfikar Ali |date=2013-11-05 |work=The New York Times |access-date=2017-04-24 |last2=Barry |first2=Ellen |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
===Border Guards Bangladesh===
In the aftermath of the mutiny, the Border Guard Bangladesh Act was issued in 2020 and caused the Bangladesh Rifles was reorganised with new recruits. The force is still commanded by senior officers seconded from the Bangladesh Army. The Bangladesh Rifles have gone through some fundamental changes since 2010.<ref>{{cite act|title=Border Guard Bangladesh Act, 2010|type=Act|index=63|year=2010|language=bn|url=http://bdlaws.minlaw.gov.bd/act-details-1067.html}}</ref> It was officially renamed as the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) on 23 January 2011 and reorganised with fresh recruits, also formed their own intelligence unit.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-102204 |title=BDR to get new name, uniform, intelligence unit |work=The Daily Star |date=2009-08-19 |access-date=2017-04-13}}</ref> The Border Guard Bangladesh Act, 2010 increased the maximum punishment for mutiny from 7 years in jail to the death penalty.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-155222 |title=Firm fetters for border guards |work=The Daily Star |date=2010-09-20 |access-date=2017-04-13}}</ref>
News reports in 2018 stated the BGB had "54,000 troopers".<ref name="ind18Sep2018">{{Cite news |title=15,000 more posts for BGB |url=http://www.theindependentbd.com/printversion/details/166835 |date=2018-09-18 |work=The Independent |location=Dhaka |access-date=2018-09-18}}</ref> The 2020 edition of ''[[International Institute for Strategic Studies#Publications|The Military Balance]]'' put the force's personnel strength at 38,000, organized in 54 battalions and one riverine company.<ref name="Military Balance">{{Cite journal |author=International Institute for Strategic Studies |author-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies |year=2020 |title=Chapter Six: Asia |journal=The Military Balance |volume=120 |issue=1 |page=254 |doi=10.1080/04597222.2020.1707967 |s2cid=219627149}}</ref>
===Bangladesh–Myanmar border skirmish 2015===
On 28 May 2014, during a routine patrol of the BGB in [[Bandarban District]], along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, [[Myanmar Border Police]] began firing on the BGB patrol. The incident took the life of Border Guard Corporal Mizanur Rahman (43). The body of the slain soldier was then carried over the border by Myanmar Border Police. On 30 May upon request of the Myanmar Ambassador to Bangladesh a BGB team was waiting near border pillar no. 52 for identification of the dead body which was proposed by the Myanmar side. However, to the complete surprise of the BGB, Myanmar border forces suddenly started firing on the waiting BGB team without any provocation resulting in the BGB team returning fire. Both sides deescalated and agreed to a cease fire and on the following day Myanmar returned the dead body of BGB Corporal Mizanur Rahman. Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs had protested strongly to the Burmese ambassador over the unprovoked eruption of gunfire by Burmese border troops.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/myanmar-returns-arms-ammo-of-slain-bgb-man-27159 |title=Myanmar returns arms, ammo of slain BGB man |date=2014-06-05 |work=The Daily Star |access-date=2017-04-13 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/myanmars-border-force-regrets-mizans-killing-27206 |title=Myanmar's border force regrets Mizan's killing |date=2014-06-06 |work=The Daily Star |access-date=2017-04-13 |language=en}}</ref>
===Bangladesh–Arakan Army border clash 2015===
On 26 August 2015 the [[Arakan Army (Kachin State)|Arakan Army]], a separatist group in Myanmar, attacked a BGB patrol in Boro Modak, [[Thanchi Upazila|Thanchi]], [[Bandarban District|Bandarban]]. Two border guards were injured in the attack. On 11 May 2015 the BGB camp in Thanchi came under mortar fire, BGB retaliated by firing two rounds towards the border.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/country/bandarban-bgb-camp-comes-under-mortar-shells-attacks-1222675 |title=Bandarban BGB camp comes under mortar attack |date=2016-05-12 |work=The Daily Star |access-date=2017-04-13 |language=en}}</ref> Indian BSF agreed to allow BGB to use BSF roads in India to patrol the border on 1 August 2016.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/frontpage/india-lets-bgb-use-its-roads-patrol-1262443 |title=India lets BGB use its roads for patrol |date=2016-08-01 |work=The Daily Star |access-date=2017-04-13 |language=en}}</ref> On 15 November 2016 Border Guards Bangladesh stopped 86 [[Rohingya people|Rohingyas]] from entering Bangladesh on two boats.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/frontpage/coast-guards-push-back-125-rohingyas-1317412 |title=Coast guards push back 125 Rohingyas |date=2016-11-20 |work=The Daily Star |access-date=2017-04-13 |language=en}}</ref> On 6 February 2017 BGB protested with their counterparts in Myanmar Border Guard Police, after they shot and killed a Bangladeshi fisherman in the [[Naf River]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/country/bangladesh-national-shot-dead-myanmar-border-1356781 |title=Bangladesh national shot dead at Myanmar border |date=2017-02-06 |work=The Daily Star |access-date=2017-04-13 |language=en}}</ref> BGB deployed its first female border guards on 24 February 2017 in the [[Dinajpur District, Bangladesh|Dinajpur]] border area.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/nation/2017/02/24/first-ever-female-bgb-officers-deployed-to-hili-border/ |title=First ever female BGB members deployed at Hili Border |date=2017-02-24 |work=Dhaka Tribune |access-date=2017-04-24 |language=en-US}}</ref> BGB and [[Myanmar Police Force]] came to an agreement on 6 April 2017 to remove mines from the border area.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/city/border-guard-bangladesh-myanmar-cops-agree-remove-mines-border-1387255 |title=BGB, Myanmar cops agree to remove mines from border |date=2017-04-06 |work=The Daily Star |access-date=2017-04-13 |language=en}}</ref>
===Women Guards===
The organization has women members since 2016.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2016/08/01/first-female-members-of-border-guard-bangladesh-report-to-work |title=First female members of Border Guard Bangladesh report to work |work=[[Bdnews24.com]] |date=1 August 2022}}</ref>
==Decorations==
The then-''East Pakistan Rifles'' joined the [[Bangladesh War of Independence]] on the side of [[Mukti Bahini]] in 1971. One hundred and forty one members earned gallantry awards for their outstanding contribution to the liberation war of Bangladesh. [[Nur Mohammad Sheikh|Naik Nur Mohammad Sheikh]] and [[Munshi Abdur Rouf|Naik Munshi Abdur Rouf]] posthumously earned the [[Bir Sreshtha]], which is the highest gallantry award of the nation.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://en.banglapedia.org/index.php?title=Rauf,_Birsrestha_Munshi_Abdur |title=Rauf, Birsrestha Munshi Abdur |website=Banglapedia |language=en |access-date=2017-04-24}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://en.banglapedia.org/index.php?title=Sheikh,_Birsrestha_Nur_Mohammad |title=Sheikh, Birsrestha Nur Mohammad |website=Banglapedia |language=en |access-date=2017-04-24}}</ref> [[Birshrestha Noor Mohammad Public College]] and [[Birshreshtha Munshi Abdur Rouf Public College]] are educational institutions of the guards named after them.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Admin|title=Munshi Abdur Rouf College Admission Circular & Result 2022|url=https://eduresultbd.com/munshi-abdur-rouf-college-admission/|access-date=2022-02-07|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=History of the founding of the Institution|url=https://www.noormohammadcollege.ac.bd/details/history|access-date=2022-02-07|website=www.noormohammadcollege.ac.bd}}</ref> 8 earned the [[Bir Uttom]]. 40 earned the [[Bir Bikrom|Bir Bikram]] and 91 earned the [[Bir Protik]] awards.
=== Medals ===
*  '''[[Border Guard Bangladesh Padak (Bravery)]]'''
* '''[[President Border Guard Padak (Bravery)]]'''
* '''[[Border Guard Bangladesh Padak (Service)]]'''
* '''[[President Border Guard Padak (Service)]]'''
* '''[[File:Bangladesh_Rifles_Bi-centennial_Padak_Ribbon.jpg|80x80px]] [[Bi-Centennial Padak]]'''
* '''[[File:Naf_Padak.png|80x80px]] [[Naf Padak]]'''
After independence, on 3 March 1972 the force had been renamed as Bangladesh Rifles. As a mark of recognition for the courage and bravery of its members, BDR introduced '[[Bangladesh Rifles Podok]]' in 1985 and [[President Rifles podok]]' in 1989.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-120045 |title=Birth of the Phoenix |date=2010-01-02 |work=The Daily Star |access-date=2017-04-24 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-26032 |title=CA asks BDR to plan for creating poll atmosphere |date=2008-03-04 |work=The Daily Star |access-date=2017-04-24 |language=en}}</ref> 21 members had received the 'Bangladesh Rifles Podok' 29 had received the 'President Rifles Podok'.
==Responsibilities==
* Patrolling and securing the border
* Investigating cross border crimes
* Anti-smuggling Operations
* Counter Terrorism
* Domestic law enforcement during national emergencies
* Acting as a reserve force under [[Ministry of Defence (Bangladesh)|Ministry of Defence]]  during war
== Director Generals ==
{{Main|Director General of Bangladesh Border Guards}}
==Equipment==
{{main|List of equipment of the Border Guards Bangladesh}}
==Organization==
The BGB is commanded by a [[Major General]] ranked [[Bangladesh Army]] officer. The BGB administration and most of the officer corps are trained and deputed from the Bangladesh Army. There are, however, around 100 officers who are promoted from within the force itself.  They can be promoted as high as deputy director (equivalent to captain in Bangladesh Army.
BGB is organised into a central headquarters and five regional headquarters. The regions of BGB are equivalent to [[brigade]]s and commanded by [[brigadier general]]s deputed from the Bangladesh Army. Under the regional headquarters, there are a total of 16 sectors. The sectors are commanded by [[colonel]]s. Under each sectors, there are multiple [[battalion]]s which are commanded by [[lieutenant colonel]]s. A battalion has six rifle companies, one support company and one HQ company. Army officers of the rank of [[captain]] command the companies and officers of the rank of [[major]] fill billets of battalion [[second-in-command]], adjutant, battalion intelligence officer and staff positions in Pilkhana HQ and the training establishments. However one-third of company commanders are promotee BGB officers holding the rank of assistant director (captain equivalent). This is the second-highest rank achievable for a BGB departmental officer. A [[subedar]] usually holds the responsibility of the company second-in-command and company quartermaster. Each company has four platoons and each platoon is led by a [[naib subedar]], with a [[havildar]] as second-in-command. The highest rank for a promotee BGB soldiers, deputy director (major equivalent), fill the billets of battalion adjutant and battalion logistics officers. The [[subedar-major]] (lieutenant equivalent) similarly fills the billets of battalion subedar major (ceremonial post) and head Instructors in training establishments and depots.  Each Platoon has three sections and each section is commanded by a [[Naik (military rank)|Naik]], with a [[Lance naik]] as second-in-command. Each section has two to three teams and the team is led by a lance naik. A BGB personnel is not eligible to lead sections, platoons and companies or hold posts of second-in-command if they are over 40 years of age and those in such positions receive additional 'command allowance'. Its current strength is 70,000<ref name="ind18Sep2018" /> structured along 64 battalions and numerous border outposts (BOP), mostly along the borders.
* '''Central HQ''': [[Pilkhana, Bangladesh|Pilkhana]], [[Dhaka]]<ref name="Bangladesh"/>
** Director-General (DG)
*** Additional Director-General (Headquarters)
*** Additional Director General (Operations and Training)
*** Additional Director General (Administration)
*** Additional Director General (Medical)
*** Additional Director General/Bureau Chief (Border Security Bureau)
*** Additional Director General/Commandant (Border Guard Training Centre and College)
*** Deputy Director General (Records)
*** Deputy Director General (Logistics)
*** Deputy Director General (Budget)
*** Deputy Director General (Central Purchase)
*** Deputy Director General (Construction Works)
*** Deputy Director General (Communications)
*** Sector Command ([[Dhaka]])
*** HQ Battalion
*** ICT Battalion
* '''North Eastern Regional HQ''': [[Sarail Upazila|Sarail]]
** Region Commander (RC)
*** Sector Command ([[Comilla]])
*** Sector Command ([[Mymensingh]])
*** Sector Command ([[Srimangal]])
*** Sector Command ([[Sylhet]])
*** Regional Intelligence Bureau ([[Sarail Upazila|Sarail]])
* '''North Western Regional HQ''': [[Rangpur Division|Rangpur]]
** Region Commander (RC)
*** Sector Command ([[Dinajpur District, Bangladesh|Dinajpur]]):
*** Sector Command ([[Rajshahi]])
*** Sector Command ([[Rangpur Division|Rangpur]])
*** Sector Command ([[Thakurgaon District|Thakurgaon]])
*** Regional Intelligence Bureau ([[Rangpur Division|Rangpur]])
* '''South Eastern Regional HQ''': [[Halishahar]] 
** Region Commander (RC)
*** Sector Command ([[Rangamati]])
*** Sector Command ([[Khagrachari]])
*** Sector Command ([[Guimara]])
*** [[Chittagong|Chattagram]] Reserve Battalion
*** Regional Intelligence Bureau ([[Halishahar]])
* '''South Western Regional HQ''': [[Jessore (city)|Jessore]]
** Region Commander (RC)
*** Sector Command ([[Kushtia]])
*** Sector Command ([[Khulna]]) 
*** Regional Intelligence Bureau ([[Jessore (city)|Jessore]])
* '''Cox's Bazar Regional HQ''': [[Cox's Bazar]]
** Region Commander (RC)
*** Sector Command ([[Ramu Upazila|Ramu]])
*** Sector Command ([[Bandarban]])
*** Regional Intelligence Bureau ([[Cox's Bazar]])
==Future modernization programme==
BGB has adopted a long term modernization plan named "BGB Vision 2041" in 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dailytribunal24.com/govt-takes-bgb-vision-2041-to-make-border-force-world-standard-pm/ |title=Govt takes'BGB Vision-2041' to make border force world standard:PM |publisher=The Daily Tribunal |access-date=18 December 2022}}</ref> The plan intends to make BGB a well-trained, well-equipped and technologically advanced force.
In short terms, BGB plans for structural and manpower expansion. A new region (equivalent to [[Division (military)|division]]) will be raised in [[Ramu]] of [[Cox's Bazar]]. Three new sectors (equivalent to [[brigade]]) will be raised at [[Ali Kadam Upazila|Ali Kadam]] of [[Bandarban]], [[Naogaon]] and [[Jessore (city)|Jessore]]. Eight new [[battalion]]s will be formed at [[Jhikargacha Upazila|Jhikargacha]] of [[Jessore (city)|Jessore]], [[Meherpur]], [[Khagrachari]], ''Boro Mowdok'' of [[Bandarban]], [[Gazipur]], [[Narayanganj]] and [[Kulaura]]. Two riverine battalions will be raised in BGB at ''Nildumur'' of [[Shatkhira]] and [[Teknaf Upazila|Teknaf]] of [[Cox's Bazar]]. They are the first two units of BGB who will be able to operate in riverine borders and ''char''s ([[River island]]). The number of personnel will be increased from 50000 to 65000 soon. 124 ''Border Out Posts (BOP)'' and 70 heli-support BOPs  are being set up in the border areas of hilly districts along the border with Myanmar. 128 ''Border Sentri Posts (BSP)'' are being constructed between the distant BOPs. BGB members ae being equipped with [[Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops|bulletproof vests and ballistic helmet]].<ref name="bgbday">{{cite news |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/country/prime-minister-sheikh-hasina-asks-border-guard-bangladesh-bgb-members-to-be-imbued-with-bonding-spirit-1507783 |title=PM asks BGB members to be imbued with bonding spirit |work=The Daily Star |date=21 December 2017 |access-date=21 December 2022}}</ref>
A ''Quick Response Force'' will be established for BGB. The force will work to supply modern arms and ammunition swiftly to border points in case of any emergency.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://m.theindependentbd.com/printversion/details/107551 |title=BGB to introduce Quick Reaction Force |work=The Independent |location=Dhaka |date=4 August 2017 |access-date=13 August 2022}}</ref> For smooth operation in the border areas, border roads are being constructed. In ''BGB day 2017'', prime minister said that the government has undertaken a plan to construct a total of 3,167&nbsp;km ring road across the borders with India and Myanmar.<ref name="bgbday"/>
BGB has already bought two [[Mil Mi-17|Mi-171E]] helicopters from Russia for its aviation wing at a cost of Tk. 355.10 crore.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://m.theindependentbd.com/post/169673 |title=Russian copters to turn BGB into 3-dimensional force |work=The Independent |location=Dhaka |date=9 October 2018 |access-date=13 October 2022}}</ref>
To effectively monitor the border, BGB plans to add modern technology to the border management. The plan is to set up [[camera]]s, [[Night vision device|night vision goggles]] and [[Infrared detector|infrared sensors]] throughout the border. BGB plans to achieve 3I (Information, Identification, Intervention) capabilities in the border in long term. Having [[Radar]] and [[Reconnaissance satellite|Satellite monitoring]] facilities in the border are also planned.
==References==
* {{Commons category-inline|Border Guards Bangladesh}}
{{reflist}}
{{Bangladesh topics}}
{{Military of Bangladesh}}
{{Border guards}}
{{authority control}}
[[Category:Border Guards Bangladesh| ]]
[[Category:Military of Bangladesh]]
[[Category:Bangladesh Liberation War]]
[[Category:Borders of Bangladesh]]
[[Category:Paramilitary forces of Bangladesh]]
[[Category:1795 establishments in the British Empire]]
[[Category:Government agencies of Bangladesh]]
[[Category:Uniformed services of Bangladesh]]

Latest revision as of 09:49, 9 January 2023

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