Introduction

1. Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) has been playing a significant role in guarding the sovereignty of the motherland over long 4,487 kilometres border. In addition to protecting border and performing anti-smuggling duties, this force has successfully been able to earn the confidence of people in maintaining internal peace and security with civil administration and rende* ring valuable services to the affected people during natural calamities.

2, This force emerged as 'Ramgarh Local Battalion in 1795. Since then, though the main role of this force has remained unchanged, its dress, name and location have changed number of times. New responsibilities have also been included into its area of activities. The predecessors of this force established their first camp in this lash-green Peel-khana as ‘Special Reserve Company in 1879.

3 This force has demonstrated . highest standard of heroism in the Liberation War in 1971. Eight hundred and nineteen riflemen made their supreme sacrifices and won 2 Bir Shrestha. 08 Bir Uttam, 32 Bir Bikram and 77 Bir Protik gallantry awards.

4. Since independence. Rifles persons engaged themselves in rebuilding "Sonar Bangla" with a new Zeal and enthusiasm. On 03 march 1972, it was renamed as Bangladesh Rifles'. A new 3 colours printed camouflaged uniform was introduced for this force in 1997.

Success of £PR.__Ln Border Protection

5. Apart from guarding the international border BDR also ensures the safety of men and materials living in the border area. In the recent past BDR has successfully and effectively dealt with a number of border disputes at places like Muhuri char, Khowai char, Tin Bigha Corridor etc. It has controlled illegal trafficking of women and children, apprehended persons with illegal arms and substantially contributed in the repatriation of Rohinga refugees. Some major activities of 1997-98 are appended below:

a. Establishment of Camp in Anqorputa-Dahaaram: Angorputa-Dohagram is an enclave inside the Indian territory. As per the Mujib-lndira Treaty of 1974 Bangladesh is supposed to get permanent lease of Tin Bigha Corridor for passage of Bangladeshi nationals to the main land and back. Till recent time, Bangladeshi citizens could use the corridor only in day time for alternate hour. BDR Border Out Post has been established in Dahagram for the first time on 20 March 1997. Since the last conference between the two Director Generals in October '97 in Dhaka the Bangladeshi nationals can use the corridor any time they

require.

b Occupation of Nlrmalchar and shifting of BSF Camo. Nirmalchar is a new char in the river Padma in the area at Vhatupara under Rajshahi district. Since there was no border'pillar, the nationals of both the countries had been claiming its ownership. Numbers of clashes took place among the nationals of both the countries. After a fruitful border conference between BDR and BSF in May 97, Bangladeshi people got the ownership of the char. Border pillars were constructed and a BSF camp has been shifted away which was earlier located very close to the border.

c. Establishing Rights of Bangladesh in Rudhranagar, Frequent clashes had been taking place since long between the citizens of both the countries with the ownership of 40 bighas of land located near Rudhranagar BOP area under Meherpur district. In January '98, after a flag meeting between BDR and BSF, Bangladeshi nationals got

ownership of the land and they are now cultivating it peacefully.

d. Bangladesh

Myanmar Joint Bordar Survey and Laying of Pillar,

The position of border pillars no 31 to 73 between Bangladesh and Myanmar were jointly surveyed by the concerned survey agencies of the two countries from 1 st October 97 to 30th November 97. The survey was carried out in an inaccessible and rough terrain with an active help and co-operation of BDR personnel.

Achl»v»m«nt« In Anti-Smuggling Operation 6. Smuggling is a great socio-economic problem for Bangladesh, it does not only damages national economy but also hinders industrial development of the country which directly affects its overall socioeconomic set up.

7. Last year, a number of effective and practical steps were taken to check smuggling. From 1st January 97 to 31 December 97, BDR seized various contra band items worth of Tk. 141,73.34,505/- and

arrested 1358 smugglers.

Recovery of Illegal Arme/Ammunition

8. In 1997, the members of BDR recovered 97 arms, 245 ammunitions, 55 bombs/explosives in the process of anti smuggling duties and arrested 77 persons.

Si lure-Qf Narcotics 9. In 1997, members of BDR recovered 93,382 bottles of Phensidyl, 22,484 bottles of wine, 4754 kg Heroin, 4077 kg Ganja and 4350 kg Vangh.

Checking of illegal Trafficking of Women and Children,

10. In 1997, 516 women and children were recovered from the grasp of illegal traffickers and 706 traffickers were arrested.

BDR in Counter Insurgency Role/lnternal Secu-rity.

11. in Chittagong Hill Tracts BDR had been performing their duties with utmost dedication. On Several occasions they foiled the attempts of insurgents/miscreants to disrupt the normal activities in CHT.

12. The members of this force have actively performed duties with civil administration. Army and Police in the overall execution of the peace accord in Chittagong Hill Tracts. They have performed duties by ensuring security and providing administrative facilities in the transit camps and other places. They have also put in a commendable role in the process of return and rehabilitation of the Chakma refugees with other agencies.

Games and Sports 13. Bangladesh Rifles is a name which is recognised by all in the domain of games and sports. The members of this force glorified the national image by participating in different games and sports inside the country and abroad. Last year, BDR team became champion in national level Volley ball, Hand ball, Kabadi, Judo and Wrestling competitions. In Naika Cup tournament held in Calcutta in November 97, Rifles Kabadi team became runner up.

Miscellaneous

14. Rescue Operation in Cyclone Affected Area. During 19 May cyclone, BDR troops of Chittagong, Rangamati and Khagrachari Sectors took active part in helping the cyclone affected people. All the BOPs in these area rescued the affected people, their properties and provided medical facilities which could save lives of a large number of people.

Conclusion

15. Working relentlessly amidst various problems and limitations, the BDR personnel, being imbued with the sense of patriotism, sincerity and hard work, have been setting bright examples of selfless services to the nation. The achievements mentioned manifest their deep commitment for the country and the nation.