The government has taken an initial plan to install 108 kilometres of barbed-wire fencing along the Myanmar border, says the home minister.
Highlights:
- Mozzafar to face court martial under Army Act
- No dual trials allowed under civil and military laws
- Government prioritises national and border security
- 108km Myanmar border fencing plan under consideration
- Bangladesh claims all illegal push-in attempts were thwarted
- Home ministry plans to strengthen BGB’s manpower and facilities
Major (retd) Mozzafar Hossain, a convict in the assassination case of former president Ziaur Rahman, who was arrested after 45 years on the run, will be tried under the Army Act through a general court martial, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said today (20 July).
Speaking to reporters after an exchange meeting and darbar with senior Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) officials at Ashraf Hall in the BGB headquarters in Dhaka’s Pilkhana, the minister said Mozzafar has already been handed over to the Bangladesh Army to complete the legal proceedings, reads a ministry press release.
“The principal trial over the assassination was conducted by a military court at the time, which delivered specific findings. After being arrested on the basis of intelligence information following years of hiding under a false identity in a neighbouring country, he has been transferred to the Army for trial under the existing military law,” he said.
He added that the trial will be conducted lawfully through a general court martial.
Salahuddin further said, “There is no legal provision to try an individual separately under both civil and military laws for the same offence. Therefore, the trial in this case will be completed under military law.”
‘Myanmar border security plan under consideration’
The home minister also said the government has accorded the highest priority to strengthening national security and protecting the country’s borders.
“In light of the unstable situation along the Myanmar border, the government has taken up an initial plan to install barbed-wire fencing along 108 kilometres of the frontier based on a proposal from the BGB,” he told reporters.
However, the home minister clarified that the proposal has not yet been finalised.
“Modern landmine detection equipment has already been supplied to the BGB to minimise casualties from border mines,” Salahuddin added.
Referring to the ongoing conflict inside Myanmar, Salahuddin said fierce armed clashes are continuing between Myanmar’s government forces and various armed groups, including the Arakan Army, the Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (RSO), and the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA).
“Due to its geographical position, Bangladesh’s border has become vulnerable amid this three-way conflict. The government is maintaining round-the-clock vigilance to prevent stray bullets and the infiltration of narcotics from across the border,” he said.
He noted that the strategic challenges along the Myanmar border differ significantly from those on the India border, making it imperative to secure the frontier at this time.
‘No illegal push-ins allowed’
Rejecting allegations of push-ins across the border, the home minister said Bangladesh has not allowed any illegal entry attempts.
“Every push-in attempt has been successfully resisted through the joint vigilance of the BGB and local residents,” he said.
Salahuddin also claimed that authorities in West Bengal may be promoting such narratives to serve their own political agenda, which he said has no bearing on Bangladesh’s internal affairs.
“Bangladesh always engages with the Government of India through official channels. If a list of individuals claiming Bangladeshi nationality is formally sent through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government will verify their nationality through due legal procedures before arranging their return. No form of illegal infiltration will be tolerated,” he said.
The home minister further said the home ministry will take effective measures to address several pending issues concerning the BGB, including increasing manpower, procuring modern equipment and vehicles, constructing new administrative buildings, and improving healthcare services at BGB hospitals through the recruitment of doctors and nurses.
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