Border Security: BGB to breed and train its own K-9 unit

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) will no longer rely on foreign countries for purchasing trained dogs, as it will now breed and train its own dogs at its specialised K-9 unit and training centre in Gazipur.

 Previously, the K-9 unit used to purchase trained dogs of different breeds from India to deploy at the border for security search operations.

 Since its inception in 2015, the unit has purchased 79 dogs of various breeds, including German Shepherds, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and Rajapalayams, at a cost of Tk 30,000 to Tk 35,000 each.

 Home Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury inaugurated the training centre at an event at the Cox's Bazar Battalion (34 BGB) yesterday.

 BGB Director General Maj Gen Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, along with the directors of the newly inaugurated units, was present on the occasion.

 Following the inauguration, Lt Col AKM Manjur Elahi, director of the K-9 unit and training centre, said, "Currently, the dogs are deployed in 30 battalions across the country. These dogs will mainly operate at border control points and areas to detect and prevent narcotics smuggling and explosives."

 The inauguration also marked the beginning of operations for the Guard Police Battalion as a separate unit.

 This battalion will primarily focus on three major tasks: traffic control, investigation and inquiry into internal incidents and accidents, and VIP and VVIP security and protocol.

 Md Iftekhar Hossain, director of the Guard Police Battalion, said the newly-inaugurated Ukhia Battalion will be responsible for protecting the southeastern border and preventing human trafficking and drug smuggling.

 Adviser Jahangir Alam said four battalions has been integrated into the force alongside the 64 BGB (Ukhia) Battalion.

He also pointed out that the area remains a major route for drug trafficking, alongside the ongoing Rohingya issue. "If needed, more battalions will be added in the future to ensure border security," he said.

He said the establishment of the Ukhia Battalion (64 BGB) would address border security imbalances by ensuring better patrols and surveillance.

 This unit will also play a vital role in preventing Rohingya infiltration and combating drug smuggling in Teknaf and Ukhia, he said.