Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) strengthened its position on St Martin Island by way of deployment of large contingent of its forces including regular patrols and construction of bunkers all around the island. Heavily armed personnel of the BGB are continuing their patrol round the clock to ensure security of the Saint Martin’s Island, located in the north-eastern part of the Bay of Bengal, reports South Asian Monitor.
Sources said the encampment of the BGB at the coral island is mainly for giving priority to some major areas, like preventing drug dealings, infiltration of Rohingyas and ensuring security of tourists. Locals say this ensured a deterrence against Myanmar forces, who now keep far away from the island.
The security forces will also prevent drugs and human trafficking, and will ensure overall law and order, said BGB Director General Maj Gen Md Shafinul Islam, while talking to reporters after visiting the lone coral island in the Bay of Bengal Wednesday. He said, “From a geographical standpoint the Saint Martin’s Island is of critical importance to Bangladesh. So, the government has stressed the need to prevent drugs and human trafficking as well as the illegal entry of Rohingyas from Myanmar.”
“I can assure that the BGB personnel currently deployed here are sufficient to ensure law and order.” The BGB chief directly visited BGB’s temporary border outpost (BOP) and selected a new location for the construction of its permanent location. Myanmar claimed St Martin’s Island as its own territory in some of its government websites. Bangladesh lodged official protest and moved to strengthen security arrangements on the island six months ago.
On April 7, the government, after 22 years, had deployed BGB personnel to Saint Martin’s Island. Earlier, the then Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) were stationed there for security purposes until 1997. Machine gun nests, mortars and rocket launchers have been added on the islands. Besides the BGB the Bangladesh Navy and Coast Guard also maintain presence on the island to ensure its security.
Saint Martin’s Island UP Chairman Nur Ahmad said: “The overall security measures here in the island have been strengthened after additional BGB personnel were deployed. Locals and tourists can now feel safe with the presence of the border guards.”
