History of Bangladesh Border Guard

 History of Bangladesh Border Guard

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), formerly known as the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), is the paramilitary force responsible for guarding the borders of Bangladesh. Its history is intertwined with both colonial and post-colonial periods in the Indian subcontinent. Below is an overview of its history:

 

1. Early Origins (18th Century – British Era):

The origins of the BGB can be traced back to the British colonial period in India. In 1795, the British East India Company raised a paramilitary force known as the Ramgarh Local Battalion to maintain order in the far-flung regions of British India, including its border areas.

This unit was intended to guard the eastern frontiers of British India, including what is today Bangladesh. The force underwent several changes in name and structure throughout the colonial period.

 

2. Post-Independence (1947–1971):

After the partition of India in 1947, East Bengal became part of Pakistan and was renamed East Pakistan. The border forces guarding this region were reconstituted under Pakistani control and became part of the East Pakistan Rifles (EPR).

The EPR played a significant role in maintaining border security and assisting civil authorities during emergencies in East Pakistan.

 

3. Bangladesh Liberation War (1971):

During the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, the EPR became a critical force in the fight for independence. Many EPR members defected and fought alongside the Mukti Bahini (the guerrilla resistance force) against the Pakistani military.

The EPR's participation in the war was vital in disrupting Pakistani supply lines and securing border areas. After the war, many of the EPR personnel were integrated into the new nation's defense forces.

 

4. Post-Independence (1971–2009):

After Bangladesh gained independence in 1971, the EPR was renamed the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR). The primary function of the BDR remained border security, prevention of smuggling, and assisting the military and civilian authorities.

The BDR was also involved in disaster relief operations and internal security during times of political unrest.

 

5. The 2009 BDR Mutiny:

One of the darkest periods in the history of the Bangladesh border guards occurred in February 2009, when a mutiny broke out at the BDR headquarters in Dhaka.

The mutiny lasted for two days and resulted in the deaths of over 70 people, including 57 army officers who were serving in the BDR. The mutiny was driven by grievances related to pay, benefits, and the domination of military officers in the command structure.

 The mutiny ended after negotiations, but it led to widespread arrests and the restructuring of the force.

 

6. Reformation as Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB):

In the aftermath of the mutiny, the government of Bangladesh restructured the force. In 2010, the BDR was renamed the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).

The force underwent extensive reforms, including changes in command structure, training, and internal regulations to prevent future unrest. The BGB also adopted a new motto: Disciplined, Strong, Vigilant.

 

7. Modern BGB (2010–Present):

Today, the BGB is a highly organized and disciplined force tasked with guarding Bangladesh’s borders, preventing smuggling, illegal immigration, human trafficking, and defending the nation during conflicts.

The BGB also works closely with other law enforcement and security agencies in maintaining internal stability and has been deployed in various disaster relief operations.

 

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

Border Security: Preventing illegal border crossings, smuggling, and infiltration along Bangladesh’s 4,427 km border with India and Myanmar.

Internal Security: Supporting civilian law enforcement during times of unrest or national emergencies.

Disaster Relief: Assisting in rescue and relief operations during natural disasters, such as floods and cyclones.

 

The BGB is a vital part of Bangladesh’s security apparatus and plays a significant role in maintaining peace and stability in the country’s border regions.

 

More............................