Home Affairs Adviser Brig Gen (retd) M Shakhawat Hossain has asked the members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to discharge their duties diligently. "Don't show your back at the border rather face it when the occasion arises", he told BGB forces.
While speaking to the media at the BGB headquarters in Dhaka, he recalled that even in cases of trespassing into Bangladesh and subsequent killings, everything would have been settled through a flag meeting.
"A force like the BGB was instructed to show its back at the border. Our people were killed at the border, and the BGB was forced to hold flag meetings. I have asked them not to show their back at the brother, enough is enough," he said.
The Home Adviser went to the BGB hospital at Pilkhana in the afternoon on Tuesday, to see the BGB men who suffered injuries during the quota reform protests. Later, he faced the media and responded to various queries.
The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) reportedly shot down a Bangladeshi national on the other side of the Shibganj border in Chapainawabganj on Sunday.
M Shakhawat Hossain said, "They enter our territory and kill our people. We hold flag meetings and say everything is settled, or say we have no idea over the issue. Those days are over".
Blaming the previous government for exploiting the forces, he said, "They turned these forces into monsters. Those responsible for it will be taken to the international court. They have killed many people and destroyed all the institutions. These are national forces, and do not belong to any individual."
The Adviser regretted his recent 'controversial' speech and said the students misunderstood him. "Many words come in conversations. If I really made such a statement, it was misunderstood, and I feel sorry for that." During the clashes, some three BGB men have died and 130 sustained injuries.
Sakhawat Hossain also warned that he was not just making empty promises. "Some may think I'm just talking, but be assured, there will be punishment if anyone falls into my hands. We have already taken some actions. These forces have been corrupted by fascist propaganda of the fascist party. They were the ones who told BGB to retreat at border. BGB's role is to protect the border, and this will not be allowed to happen again, Insha'Allah," he stated.
When asked about the dismissal of listed fascist police officers, he responded, "There is a government process in place, and it is being followed. The recommendation file has already been sent to the President. Whether they remain in service or not will be discussed. As long as I am here, I will ensure justice is served."
In response to a question about the recent fire at BTV, the Home Adviser said, "There was a fire at the TV station. Now we are hearing that it may have originated from inside. We still don't know who set the fire. Those responsible for the broadcast should investigate to find out who started the fire."
