The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Satkhira

Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) here has taken a massive programme to resist smuggling, border crossing, and trafficking drug, women and children.

The programme includes holding meeting to create awareness among bordering villagers, increasing number of BDR jawans of the border outposts (BOP) and also tightened its patrol along the Satkhira border areas.

As part of the programme, a discussion meeting on "Resisting Smuggling and Trafficking Drug, Women and Children" organised by Satkhira BDR 41 Battalion was held at Debhata Upazila Parishad auditorium on Thursday afternoon. Commanding Officer of 41 Battalion Lt. Colonel AKM Shamsuddin Shams was present as chief guest with Debhata Upazila Nirbahi Officer Abdur Rashid in the chair.

It was addressed, among others, by BDR operation officer Major Shamim, OC of Debhata thana Lokman Hekim, UP chairman Rezaul Karim, journalist Abu Taleb Mollah, UP member Mizanur Rahman, and Ali Hossain.

The speakers said a large number of women and children are being trafficked to India by some organised gangs of human traffickers every year. The increasing trend of smuggling and human trafficking has created a grave concern among the peace- loving people of the bordering areas here. They urged the authorities concerned to take steps to combat the menace effectively.

Col. Shamsuddin Shams said the smugglers are not friends of anyone but the enemies of the country and the people.

A section of people of border areas is involved in smuggling and human trafficking, and has pushed our young generation to a great danger, he said.

"These criminals are destroying our agricultural land by bringing a huge quantity of Indian adulterated fertilisers", Col. Shams added.