Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has directed members of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to maintain the highest level of vigilance along the borders to check illegal infiltrations, push-ins, human trafficking and other cross-border crimes.

"Maintain the highest level of vigilance along the borders alongside strengthening maximum efforts to prevent illegal infiltration, push-ins, drug and arms smuggling, human trafficking, and other cross-border crimes," he said. 

The Home Minister issued the directives while addressing BGB personnel during a visit to the BGB Headquarters at Pilkhana in Dhaka on Monday.

Earlier, upon his arrival at the headquarters at around 11:00am, the Home Minister was accorded a guard of honour by a BGB contingent. 

He later received a comprehensive briefing on the force's operational, training, administrative and ongoing development activities.

Speaking at an interaction meeting held at Shaheed Shakil Ahmed Hall, Salahuddin Ahmed called on BGB members to perform their duties with patriotism, integrity and professionalism. 

He stressed the importance of maintaining discipline, respecting the chain of command, upholding mutual respect and professional conduct, and remaining vigilant against rumours and misinformation by relying only on verified information.

The minister also underscored the need for the effective use of modern technology and intelligence in border management, strengthening public confidence in border areas, playing a humanitarian role during disasters and national emergencies, and ensuring neutrality, accountability and adherence to the rule of law in carrying out responsibilities.

Expressing confidence in the force, he said BGB members, inspired by the motto "Bangladesh First," would continue to safeguard the country's borders, sovereignty and national interests with discipline, sacrifice and professionalism.

BGB Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, senior headquarters officials, JCOs, other ranks and civilian officers and employees were present. 

BGB personnel stationed at regional headquarters, sectors, battalions and Border Outposts (BOPs) across the country also joined the programme virtually.

After the meeting, the Home Minister signed the visitors' book, visited key installations at the BGB headquarters, including the "Simanta Gourab", the 2009 Martyrs' Memorial and "Dipta Simanta" Specialized Educational Institution, and planted a tree at the "Simanta Kunj" area before speaking to journalists.