The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has announced a reward for anyone providing information about attempts by leaders and activists of the banned Awami League to enter Bangladesh illegally through the border.
Lieutenant Colonel Golam Mohammad Saiful Alam Khan, commander of the BGB's Jessore 49 Battalion, made the announcement at a meeting with journalists on border security and infiltration at the battalion headquarters on Sunday afternoon.
Saiful Alam Khan said many Awami League leaders and activists had fled to India through various routes, with most of them believed to be staying in Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal.
"Since Jessore and Satkhira share borders with areas close to Kolkata and West Bengal, we suspect that Awami League leaders and activists may attempt to re-enter the country through these two border districts," he said.
To prevent members of the banned Awami League from entering the country, security has been tightened along all border areas under the 49 Battalion.
CCTV cameras and searchlights have been installed at key locations, while portable searchlights are being used during night patrols. Drones are also being deployed for surveillance when necessary, he said.
The BGB may further intensify round-the-clock patrols with the involvement of local residents, depending on the situation.
"Anyone providing information to the BGB about attempts by leaders and activists of the banned Awami League to enter the country through the border will receive a reward. The identity of informants will be kept confidential," the battalion commander said.
He warned that no one had been allowed to enter the country illegally through the border so far and that the BGB would remain vigilant to prevent such attempts in the future.
He also said the BGB had been deployed in Gopalganj five times since the political changeover to maintain law and order, with local residents extending their cooperation.
Expressing hope that ordinary citizens would again help prevent cross-border infiltration, he also called on political leaders and activists of opposition parties to play an active role in the effort.
Senior officials of the BGB's Jessore 49 Battalion were also present at the meeting.