BGB on high alert to prevent border infiltration: Salahuddin
BGB continues strict vigilance to ensure there is no unauthorised infiltration and that the border situation remains stable
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today (11 May) said Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been placed on high alert following developments linked to the West Bengal elections, assuring that the force remains fully prepared to prevent illegal border crossings and maintain security along the frontier.
Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat after a meeting on improving the livelihoods of salt farmers, he said political changes or administrative decisions in any Indian state, including the erection of border fencing, are internal matters of India.
"Bangladesh maintains diplomatic relations with the central government of India based on sovereign equality. A change of political power in any state does not affect Bangladesh's foreign policy or bilateral relations," the minister said.
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He added that BGB continues strict vigilance to ensure there is no unauthorised infiltration and that the border situation remains stable.
Responding to social media claims alleging violence against minorities following the West Bengal polls and possible spillover effects in Bangladesh, Salahuddin said misinformation was being spread using old and unrelated footage.
"So far, neither the Home Ministry nor the Foreign Ministry has any verified information regarding such incidents or any adverse impact on Bangladesh," he said, urging the public not to be misled by online propaganda.
Turning to the issue of salt farmers, the minister said the government has taken steps to ensure fair pricing in line with production costs, to achieve self-sufficiency in the salt sector and protect local producers.
He said the Ministry of Agriculture is reviewing production costs to ensure farmers receive a fair return for their labour, while also assessing domestic demand for both industrial and edible salt to justify import decisions.
Salahuddin added that, following accurate data collection and directives from the Prime Minister, the government aims to move toward full self-sufficiency in salt production while ensuring that farmers do not incur losses.
