S A Shofiee, Sylhet:
Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has maintained a strict stand against the unbridled looting of national resources, sand and stone, in the Jaintapur and Lalakhal areas of Sylhet.
Speaking at a press briefing at Lalakhal BOP on Saturday (August 23), Lieutenant Colonel Md. Zubair Anwar PSC, Commander of 19 BGB, said that due to regular patrols and special operations, no illegal sand and stone extraction is currently taking place in this area. Due to the presence of BGB, these naturally beautiful spots near the border are still safe for tourists.
He said that in various areas including Bholaganj Sadapathar, Jaflong, Bichanakandi and Jaintapur, a huge amount of stones are still intact up to approximately 300 yards from the zero line. As a result, tourists can enjoy the natural beauty without any hindrance. Similarly, as the BGB patrols continue in the Lalakhal area, tourists will be able to enjoy traveling safely in the upcoming winter season.
In a press briefing, the captain said that in the last four months alone, the BGB has seized about 400 to 600 illegal sand-and-stone boats. Not only in Lalakhal, but also in the Bholaganj Sadapathar area, numerous boats have been seized. In these operations, BGB members have worked even at night, risking their lives, where many have been injured. Still, they have not backed down from their duty.
He also said that since independence, the Bangladesh government has given the BGB the responsibility of border security. Our members have been guarding the border 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. We are solely responsible for preventing drug and arms smuggling, human trafficking, illegal goods flow and push-ins. Our members are steadfast in border security even in adverse weather conditions.
The captain expressed regret that some vested interests have failed to fulfill their objectives and tried to question the achievements of the BGB. However, the reality is that the BGB has always played a leading role in protecting the country’s borders and this trend will continue in the future.
Regarding those involved in illegal stone and sand smuggling, he said that the relevant government agencies are investigating and the BGB is regularly cooperating with them. The investigation team is also working from the headquarters. If evidence is found, legal action will be taken against the culprits.
Lieutenant Colonel Md. Zubair Anwar PSC said, we are not only working to protect the borders, but also the sovereignty and geographical integrity of the country. This responsibility is not easy for any force, yet BGB members do not hesitate to sacrifice their lives to protect the country. If the public is by our side, the country’s resources can never be illegally looted.
This firm stance of the BGB has reassured the local public and patriotic people. This effort to stop illegal looting and preserve natural beauty is undoubtedly a unique example of preserving national interests. Today’s briefing made it clear that just as every inch of the border is protected by the tireless sacrifice of the BGB, the country’s natural resources are also safe under their surveillance.
Finally, the captain said, we will protect our oath-border with our lives, we will not let a single inch of the country’s soil go missing. Bangladesh is safe in the hands of the BGB, and InshaAllah it will always be safe.
The public’s expectation, this steadfast stance and sacrifice of the BGB will keep the country’s borders and resources safe in the future as well.
