Bangladesh to Equip Border Guards with Sound Grenades, Tear Gas for Enhanced Crowd Control
Bangladesh's interim government has announced plans to equip its paramilitary Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) with non-lethal sound grenades and tear gas canisters. This strategic move aims to enhance the BGB's ability to handle crowd control and prevent border-related incidents, aligning its operational capabilities with those of India's Border Security Force (BSF), which has already deployed similar equipment.
Retired Lieutenant General M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, the Home Affairs Adviser, disclosed the decision during a press briefing on Monday following a high-level law and order meeting attended by Social Welfare Adviser Sharmin Murshid and Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus' special assistant Khuda Baksh. Chowdhury confirmed, “We have already approved the procurement of sound grenades and tear gas shells for BGB."
India's Reaction and Border Stability
When questioned about India's potential response to the decision, Chowdhury stated that there is no reason for New Delhi to view the move negatively. He clarified that this measure mirrors India's practices, as the BSF has effectively utilized non-lethal tools for managing border incidents. Emphasizing stability, he added that the shared 4,096-kilometer-long border with India is currently calm, and there are "no major problems" at the moment.
Enhancing BGB's Capacity
While the BGB is already equipped with lethal weaponry for critical situations, the introduction of sound grenades and tear gas reflects a shift toward equipping the force with tools that focus on non-lethal deterrence. Chowdhury highlighted the need for such measures to ensure swift, peaceful resolutions to potential disruptions along the border or within the country's interior.
Understanding Sound Grenades and Tear Gas
Sound grenades, also known as stun grenades or flashbangs, are designed to disorient individuals or crowds temporarily with intense flashes and loud noises, providing an opportunity to regain control in volatile situations. Tear gas, on the other hand, causes severe eye irritation, respiratory discomfort, and burning sensations, making it an effective tool for dispersing crowds during protests or unrest.
Such tools are not new to border security operations. For instance, last week, BSF troops employed a stun grenade to thwart a smuggling attempt in North 24 Parganas district along the India-Bangladesh border.
New Uniforms for Security Forces
In addition to equipping BGB with non-lethal weapons, the Bangladeshi government has also introduced new uniforms for various security forces to enhance their professional image. Police personnel will now wear "iron-color" uniforms, while the elite Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) will adopt olive-green attire. The para-police force Ansar is set to transition to a "golden wheat" uniform. These changes reflect efforts to modernize and streamline the appearance of law enforcement and security forces.
Context of the Bangladesh-India Border
The Bangladesh-India border spans 4,096 kilometers, touching five Indian states—Assam, West Bengal, Mizoram, Meghalaya, and Tripura. This extensive border has historically been a hotspot for smuggling, illegal migration, and sporadic violence, necessitating robust security measures on both sides. Non-lethal weapons like sound grenades and tear gas will enable BGB to address these challenges more effectively without escalating tensions or causing unnecessary casualties.
The decision to modernize BGB's equipment and upgrade the uniforms of security forces signals the interim government’s commitment to strengthening national security and law enforcement capabilities. It also showcases Bangladesh's intention to align its border management practices with global standards, ensuring peace and stability in a sensitive geopolitical region.
