Newly-appointed Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Director General Maj Gen Shafinul Islam has driven a bike over a stretch of the land border near the Teesta river, with the purpose of inspecting the region.
This is the first time that a BGB DG has done such a thing.
After surveying the Rangpur 7 BGB camp, the DG drove his bike over almost four kilometers of nearly impassable terrain near the Teesta River and the border with India in Saniajan union of Hatibandha upazila in Rangpur.
Maj Gen Shafinul speaking at a BGB camp
Moazzem Hossain/Dhaka TribuneFollowing the inspection, Maj Gen Shafinul exchanged pleasantries with locals, who asked him to use his influence to have a dam built in the area to ease travel and prevent increasing river erosion. The DG assured the locals that he would relay their requests to the highest officials of the government.
Several BGB officials were present at the time.
Ignoring the searing heat, Maj Gen Shafinul then rode his bike once again to return the way he had come, proceeding to survey another BGB camp before sitting down for lunch with the soldiers. He also held a discussion session with the soldiers, where he listened to their woes and worries.
Maj Gen Shafinul praying alongside soldiers
Moazzem Hossain/Dhaka TribuneIn response to the queries of local journalists, Maj Gen Shafinul said: “When I came to inspect the area, I was told that there is no road here that vehicles can travel on. So, I took a bike and went around. Despite enjoying it thoroughly, I realized how difficult it is for the soldiers and the people to operate and live in the area. I will try to inform of the situation to my higher-ups.”
The veteran soldier also said: “If the BGB and BSF can forge a friendship, the people living near the border will have much better lives. Border killings have already reduced quite a bit recently. We are also working together to prevent smuggling.
“I hope to create and maintain a healthy, mutually beneficial relationship with the locals in the area,” he concluded.
Maj Gen Shafinul speaking at a BGB camp Moazzem Hossain/Dhaka TribuneFollowing the inspection, Maj Gen Shafinul exchanged pleasantries with locals, who asked him to use his influence to have a dam built in the area to ease travel and prevent increasing river erosion. The DG assured the locals that he would relay their requests to the highest officials of the government.
Several BGB officials were present at the time.
Ignoring the searing heat, Maj Gen Shafinul then rode his bike once again to return the way he had come, proceeding to survey another BGB camp before sitting down for lunch with the soldiers. He also held a discussion session with the soldiers, where he listened to their woes and worries.
Maj Gen Shafinul praying alongside soldiers Moazzem Hossain/Dhaka TribuneIn response to the queries of local journalists, Maj Gen Shafinul said: “When I came to inspect the area, I was told that there is no road here that vehicles can travel on. So, I took a bike and went around. Despite enjoying it thoroughly, I realized how difficult it is for the soldiers and the people to operate and live in the area. I will try to inform of the situation to my higher-ups.”
The veteran soldier also said: “If the BGB and BSF can forge a friendship, the people living near the border will have much better lives. Border killings have already reduced quite a bit recently. We are also working together to prevent smuggling.
“I hope to create and maintain a healthy, mutually beneficial relationship with the locals in the area,” he concluded.