Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) will take effective measures to strengthen its agenda against smuggling and other criminal activities at border, its chief Maj Gen Abul Hossain said today.

“We have formed 'Quick Response Force' and increased mobile patrolling,” the director general of the border security force said in a press briefing at the force’s Peelkhana headquarters.

Claiming that BGB is now a disciplined force due to modernisation by the present government, Abul Hossain said: “We will implement zero tolerance policy against narcotics”.

The BGB chief further added that such steps will prevent trespassing along the border in certain areas in Jessore, Rangpur and Teknaf and curb smuggling and criminal activities.

Stern actions will be taken against any BGB official if they are found involved in smuggling or other crimes, the BGB chief said, adding that actions have already been taken against some upon proof.

Mentioning that the BGB has played an active role during the Rohingya issue, DG Abul Hossain said Myanmar forces had crossed border line by helicopter 18 times, but the BGB foiled their attempts.

The BGB chief also sought cooperation and suggestion from all for ensuring better services.