Drones, digital surveillance for border security: Salahuddin

 
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said on Tuesday that the government will strengthen border security with digital surveillance and thermal and night-mission drones to tackle cross-border crimes and the government will take strong action against mob violence. 

He made the remarks while inaugurating the Border School of Surveillance and Drone Warfare at the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) sector headquarters in Sylhet.

The Home Minister said digital technology-based surveillance would be increased along the borders to prevent smuggling, drug and arms trafficking, human trafficking and illegal entry.

“Through these technologies, it will be possible to identify activities such as smuggling, drug trafficking and arms trafficking and take necessary action,” he said.

Salahuddin Ahmed described the establishment of the training centre and the launch of its training activities as a unique initiative in the history of BGB.

He said the government was increasing the use of digital technology in different forces and educational institutions as part of its efforts to build a knowledge-, technology- and merit-based Bangladesh.

The minister said trained personnel would be developed to use drones and digital surveillance systems in tackling cross-border crimes, including illegal entry, smuggling, drug trafficking, arms trafficking and human trafficking.

He also said initiatives had been taken to assemble and manufacture drones in Bangladesh for BGB.

 “We are also assembling and making drones here ourselves. In the future, it could develop into a defence industry for us,” he said.

According to the minister, the government plans to further increase the country’s drone capabilities. In the future, border outposts, BGB headquarters and regional command offices will be able to monitor situations in different border areas through these technologies.

Drones could also be used during natural disasters, he said. They can play an important role in delivering relief and conducting rescue operations in remote areas. BGB members have already used drones for such purposes, he added.

The minister said some modern drones from different parts of the world had already been displayed at the training centre, although all advanced models could not yet be acquired.

 “We will try to bring together more advanced drones from around the world here within the next one to two years,” he said.

At present, the training programme is mainly being conducted for BGB members. The minister said civilians could also be brought under such training and testing opportunities in the future if necessary.

Earlier, BGB members demonstrated how drones can be used for surveillance and operations along the border at the inauguration programme.

Salahuddin Ahmed also said the government would take a strong stance against the “bad culture” of mob violence in Bangladesh.

 “We are very alert and aware. We will strongly deal with the bad culture of mobs that has developed in Bangladesh, InshaAllah,” he said while responding to questions from journalists after visiting the drone technology demonstration.

The minister said there was no need for a separate law to deal with mob violence or incidents in which groups of people take the law into their own hands. Existing general laws are sufficient to take action against such incidents, he said.