Bangladesh Rifles
Encyclopedia
Border Guard Bangladesh (formerly known as Bangladesh Rifles) is the oldest uniformed force in Bangladesh. It is a paramilitary force under the Ministry of Home Affairs of Bangladesh
. BGB is primarily responsible for the border security of the country, in Bangladesh the force is known as "The Vigilant Sentinels of the National Frontier".
The BGB began was established at 29 June 1795 at 'Ramgarh' city with 486 personnel as the “Frontier Protection Force” under the command of the East India Company. Later the force was converted in to a paramilitary unit with its own name (Ramgarh Local Battalion) and uniform to suppress insurgents around the Ramgarh area. During 1799, the force established its first camp at today’s Dhaka’s Peelkhana, where the headquarters still remain to this day. The camp unit was known as “Special Reserve Company”.
The Ramgarh Local Battalion was renamed the as the Frontier Guards and remained so for thirty years.
The Frontier Guards was re-organized and equipped with more modern weapons, in 1891 as the ‘Bengal Military Police’. Commanded by a Subedar (Senior Warrant Officer), the BMP had four companies located at Dhaka, Dhumka and Gangtok. This force also took part in the First World War.
The BMP was reorganized yet once again and renamed as the ‘Eastern Frontier Rifles’ in 1920. Its primary task was to protect the borders. It also took part in numerous military operations during the Second World War.
After the partition of the British Indian sub-continent ‘Eastern Frontier Rifles’ was re-grouped and re-named as the 'East Pakistan Rifles'. It was the primary border protection force of the then East Pakistan. A number of Metropolitan Armed Police of Calcutta and some 1,000 ex-soldiers of West Pakistan merged into the force. Officers from the army were transferred to command and reorganize EPR. In 1958 it was also assigned the anti-smuggling duties on top its primary role as the border guards. In 1965 India Pakistan war this force had fought valiantly and successfully in a number of skirmishes in Lathitila, Dohogram, Laksmipur, Assalong and Boroibari. Major Tofael was awarded the highest military award of erstwhile Pakistan, ‘Nishan-e-Haider’, for his action in the Laksmipur Operation. The strength of the force was 13,454 in March 1971.
During the war of independence members of the EPR first responded to Major Ziaur Rahman
's declaration of independence by grouping with Zia's forces. Some were already with Zia before declaration. Rifles' members participated in the liberation struggle right from its inception. Members of the EPR were instrumental in setting up posts of BDF Sector 11 in Teldhala which Zia organised and formed. After the war was over, the East Pakistan Rifles was pronounced and re-named the Bangladesh Rifles in January 29 of 1972 at the final Bangladesh Forces Sector Commanders Conference presided by General M.A.G Osmani.
. Eight hundred and seventeen of those were known to be killed in action.
on the side of East Pakistan in 1971. One hundred and forty one members earned gallantry awards for their outstanding contribution to the liberation war of Bangladesh. Two of them Lance Naik Nur Mohammad Sheikh
and Lance Naik Munshi Abdur Rouf
posthumously earned the Bir Sreshtha, which is the highest gallantry award of the nation; 8 earned the Bir Uttam, 40 earned the Bir Bikram and 91 earned the Bir Protik
awards.
After independence, on 3 March 1972 the force had been renamed as Bangladesh Rifles. As a mark of recognition for the courage and bravery of its members, BDR introduced 'Bangladesh Rifles Podok' in 1985 and President Rifles podok’ in 1989. So far, 21 members had received the 'Bangladesh Rifles Podok' and 29 had received the ‘President Rifles Podok’.
. The BGB administration and almost its entire officer corps are trained and deputed from the Bangladesh Army
. There are however, around 100 officers who are promoted from within the force itself. They can be promoted as high as Deputy Director (D.D) which is equivalent to the rank of Lt. Colonel and Assistant Director(A.D) equivalent to the rank of major and Deputy Assistant Director(D.A.D) equivalent to the rank of Captain in Bangladesh Army . Its current strength is 67,000+ structured along 61 battalions and numerous border outposts (B.O.P.), mostly along the borders.
BGB is organized into a central headquarters and 4 regional headquarters. Under the regional headquarters there are 12 sectors. Each sector is commanded by a Colonel
.
.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh , officially the People's Republic of Bangladesh is a sovereign state located in South Asia. It is bordered by India on all sides except for a small border with Burma to the far southeast and by the Bay of Bengal to the south...
. BGB is primarily responsible for the border security of the country, in Bangladesh the force is known as "The Vigilant Sentinels of the National Frontier".
History
Border Guard Bangladesh, a paramilitary force, is entrusted with the responsibility of defending the border of the country. It is the first line of defense for the nation. BGB boasts an illustrious past with rich traditions and remarkable military history of more than 2 centuries. BGB is playing a vital role by defending a long border line of 4,427 km of Bangladesh. At the same time this force is also involved in anti-smuggling operations, investigating cross border crime and extending governmental authority to remote and isolated areas. Border Guards Bangladesh has also been called upon from time to time for assisting the administration in the maintenance of internal law & order, relief and rehabilitation work after any kind of natural disaster and during wartime BGB comes under the control of the Ministry of Defense by law as a reserve force.- Ramgarh Local Battalion (1795–1861):
The BGB began was established at 29 June 1795 at 'Ramgarh' city with 486 personnel as the “Frontier Protection Force” under the command of the East India Company. Later the force was converted in to a paramilitary unit with its own name (Ramgarh Local Battalion) and uniform to suppress insurgents around the Ramgarh area. During 1799, the force established its first camp at today’s Dhaka’s Peelkhana, where the headquarters still remain to this day. The camp unit was known as “Special Reserve Company”.
- Frontier Guards (1861–1891):
The Ramgarh Local Battalion was renamed the as the Frontier Guards and remained so for thirty years.
- Bengal Military PoliceEastern Frontier RiflesThe Eastern Frontier Rifles are the State Armed Police Force for West Bengal in the West Bengal Police jurisdiction...
(1891–1919):
The Frontier Guards was re-organized and equipped with more modern weapons, in 1891 as the ‘Bengal Military Police’. Commanded by a Subedar (Senior Warrant Officer), the BMP had four companies located at Dhaka, Dhumka and Gangtok. This force also took part in the First World War.
- Eastern Frontier RiflesEastern Frontier RiflesThe Eastern Frontier Rifles are the State Armed Police Force for West Bengal in the West Bengal Police jurisdiction...
(1920–1947):
The BMP was reorganized yet once again and renamed as the ‘Eastern Frontier Rifles’ in 1920. Its primary task was to protect the borders. It also took part in numerous military operations during the Second World War.
- East Pakistan Rifles (1947–1971):
After the partition of the British Indian sub-continent ‘Eastern Frontier Rifles’ was re-grouped and re-named as the 'East Pakistan Rifles'. It was the primary border protection force of the then East Pakistan. A number of Metropolitan Armed Police of Calcutta and some 1,000 ex-soldiers of West Pakistan merged into the force. Officers from the army were transferred to command and reorganize EPR. In 1958 it was also assigned the anti-smuggling duties on top its primary role as the border guards. In 1965 India Pakistan war this force had fought valiantly and successfully in a number of skirmishes in Lathitila, Dohogram, Laksmipur, Assalong and Boroibari. Major Tofael was awarded the highest military award of erstwhile Pakistan, ‘Nishan-e-Haider’, for his action in the Laksmipur Operation. The strength of the force was 13,454 in March 1971.
- Bangladesh RiflesBangladesh RiflesBorder Guard Bangladesh is the oldest uniformed force in Bangladesh. It is a paramilitary force under the Ministry of Home Affairs of Bangladesh...
(1971–2010):
During the war of independence members of the EPR first responded to Major Ziaur Rahman
Ziaur Rahman
President Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam, was a Bangladeshi politician and general, who read the declaration of Independence of Bangladesh on March 26, 1971 on behalf of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He later became the seventh President of Bangladesh from 1977 until 1981...
's declaration of independence by grouping with Zia's forces. Some were already with Zia before declaration. Rifles' members participated in the liberation struggle right from its inception. Members of the EPR were instrumental in setting up posts of BDF Sector 11 in Teldhala which Zia organised and formed. After the war was over, the East Pakistan Rifles was pronounced and re-named the Bangladesh Rifles in January 29 of 1972 at the final Bangladesh Forces Sector Commanders Conference presided by General M.A.G Osmani.
- Border Guard Bangladesh (2010–onward): From 2010 Bangladesh Rifles had gone through some fundamental changes. It was officially renamed as Border Guards Bangladesh on January 23, 2011.
Liberation War & BDR
During the liberation war of 1971 nearly nine thousand of its members took up arms against the brutal genocide of Pakistan ArmyPakistan Army
The Pakistan Army is the branch of the Pakistani Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. The Pakistan Army came into existence after the Partition of India and the resulting independence of Pakistan in 1947. It is currently headed by General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani. The Pakistan...
. Eight hundred and seventeen of those were known to be killed in action.
Decorations
The then East Pakistan Rifles, now BGB joined the Bangladesh Liberation WarBangladesh Liberation War
The Bangladesh Liberation War was an armed conflict pitting East Pakistan and India against West Pakistan. The war resulted in the secession of East Pakistan, which became the independent nation of Bangladesh....
on the side of East Pakistan in 1971. One hundred and forty one members earned gallantry awards for their outstanding contribution to the liberation war of Bangladesh. Two of them Lance Naik Nur Mohammad Sheikh
Nur Mohammad Sheikh
Nur Mohammad Sheikh was a Lance Nayek in East Pakistan Rifles during the Liberation War....
and Lance Naik Munshi Abdur Rouf
Munshi Abdur Rouf
Munshi Abdur Rouf was a Lance Nayek in East Pakistan Rifles during the Bangladesh Liberation War. He enrolled in the East Bengal Regiment on 8 May 1963, and was attached with a regular infantry unit during War of Liberation...
posthumously earned the Bir Sreshtha, which is the highest gallantry award of the nation; 8 earned the Bir Uttam, 40 earned the Bir Bikram and 91 earned the Bir Protik
Bir Protik
Bir Protik is the fourth highest gallantry award in Bangladesh .-Recipients:This award was declared on 15 December 1973...
awards.
After independence, on 3 March 1972 the force had been renamed as Bangladesh Rifles. As a mark of recognition for the courage and bravery of its members, BDR introduced 'Bangladesh Rifles Podok' in 1985 and President Rifles podok’ in 1989. So far, 21 members had received the 'Bangladesh Rifles Podok' and 29 had received the ‘President Rifles Podok’.
Responsibilities
- Patrolling and securing the border
- Investigating cross border crimes
- Anti-smuggling Operations
- Counter Terrorism
- Domestic law enforcement during national emergencies
- Acting as a reserve force under M.O.D. during war
Organization
The BGB is commanded by a Major GeneralMajor General
Major general or major-general is a military rank used in many countries. It is derived from the older rank of sergeant major general. A major general is a high-ranking officer, normally subordinate to the rank of lieutenant general and senior to the ranks of brigadier and brigadier general...
. The BGB administration and almost its entire officer corps are trained and deputed from the Bangladesh Army
Bangladesh Army
The Bangladesh Army is the land forces branch and the largest of the three uniformed service of the Bangladesh Armed Forces. The primary mission of the Army is to provide necessary forces and capabilities in support of Bangladesh's security and defense strategies including defense of the nation's...
. There are however, around 100 officers who are promoted from within the force itself. They can be promoted as high as Deputy Director (D.D) which is equivalent to the rank of Lt. Colonel and Assistant Director(A.D) equivalent to the rank of major and Deputy Assistant Director(D.A.D) equivalent to the rank of Captain in Bangladesh Army . Its current strength is 67,000+ structured along 61 battalions and numerous border outposts (B.O.P.), mostly along the borders.
BGB is organized into a central headquarters and 4 regional headquarters. Under the regional headquarters there are 12 sectors. Each sector is commanded by a Colonel
Colonel
Colonel , abbreviated Col or COL, is a military rank of a senior commissioned officer. It or a corresponding rank exists in most armies and in many air forces; the naval equivalent rank is generally "Captain". It is also used in some police forces and other paramilitary rank structures...
.
- Central HQ: PilkhanaPilkhana, BangladeshPilkhana is a section within Dhaka in Bangladesh. It is the headquarters of the Bangladesh Rifles....
, DhakaDhakaDhaka is the capital of Bangladesh and the principal city of Dhaka Division. Dhaka is a megacity and one of the major cities of South Asia. Located on the banks of the Buriganga River, Dhaka, along with its metropolitan area, had a population of over 15 million in 2010, making it the largest city...
- Director-General (DG):
- Deputy Director-General (DDG):
- Director (Operations and Training):
- Director (Administration):
- Sector Command (DhakaDhakaDhaka is the capital of Bangladesh and the principal city of Dhaka Division. Dhaka is a megacity and one of the major cities of South Asia. Located on the banks of the Buriganga River, Dhaka, along with its metropolitan area, had a population of over 15 million in 2010, making it the largest city...
):
- North Eastern Regional HQ: SarailSarail UpazilaSarail is an Upazila of Brahmanbaria District in the Division of Chittagong, Bangladesh.-Geography:Sarail is located at . It has 43854 units of house hold and total area 239.52 km².-Demographics:...
- Sector Command (ComillaComillaComilla is a city in south-eastern Bangladesh, located along the Dhaka-Chittagong Highway. It is the administrative center of the Comilla District, part of the Chittagong Division. The Eastern Wing of Bangladesh Highway Police is located in Comilla....
): - Sector Command (MymensinghMymensinghMymensingh , pronounced moy-mon-shing-haw, is a city of Bangladesh situated on the river Brahmaputra. It is the headquarters of the administrative unit Mymensingh District. Mymensingh is the anglicized pronunciation of the original name Momenshahi, referring to a ruler called Momen Shah. The cadet...
): - Sector Command (SylhetSylhetSylhet , is a major city in north-eastern Bangladesh. It is the main city of Sylhet Division and Sylhet District, and was granted metropolitan city status in March 2009. Sylhet is located on the banks of the Surma Valley and is surrounded by the Jaintia, Khasi and Tripura hills...
):
- Sector Command (Comilla
- North Western Regional HQ: Naogaon
- Sector Command (DinajpurDinajpur District, BangladeshDinajpur is a district in Northern Bangladesh. It is a part of the Rangpur Division.- Geography :Dinajpur is bounded by Thakurgaon and Panchagarh districts in the north, Gaibandha and Joypurhat districts in the south, Nilphamari and Rangpurdistricts in the east, and the state of West Bengal, India...
): - Sector Command (RajshahiRajshahiThe city of Rajshahi is the divisional headquarters of Rajshahi division as well as the administrative district that bears its name and is one of the six metropolitan cities of Bangladesh. Often referred to as Silk City and Education City, Rajshahi is located in the north-west of the country and...
): - Sector Command (Rangpur):
- Sector Command (Dinajpur
- South Eastern Regional HQ: Khagrachari
- Sector Command (ChattagramChittagongChittagong ) is a city in southeastern Bangladesh and the capital of an eponymous district and division. Built on the banks of the Karnaphuli River, the city is home to Bangladesh's busiest seaport and has a population of over 4.5 million, making it the second largest city in the country.A trading...
): - Sector Command (Khagrachari):
- Sector Command (RangamatiRangamatiRangamati is the Administrative Headquarter of Rangamati Hill District in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh. The town is located at 22°37'60N 92°12'0E and has an altitude of 14 metres ....
):
- Sector Command (Chattagram
- South Western Regional HQ: Jessore
- Sector Command (Kushtia):
- Sector Command (KhulnaKhulnaKhulna is the third largest city in Bangladesh. It is located on the banks of the Rupsha and Bhairab rivers in Khulna District. It is the divisional headquarters of Khulna Division and a major industrial and commercial center. It has a seaport named Mongla on its outskirts, 38 km from Khulna...
):
- Director-General (DG):
Equipment
| Name | Type | Caliber | Origin | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type 92 QSZ-92 The QSZ-92 Services Pistol is a semi-automatic pistol designed by Norinco and it is in limited service in the People's Liberation Army since the late 1990s.-Development:... |
Semi-automatic pistol | 9mm | Standard issue sidearm. | |
| Type 54 | Semi-automatic pistol | 7.62mm | Chinese version of Soviet Tokarev TT-33 in service with all branches of armed, para-military and law enforcement services. | |
| BD-08 Type 81 Assault Rifle The Type 81 assault rifle was the principal automatic rifle used by the Chinese People's Liberation Army from the mid-1980s until 1995. It incorporates elements of the Dragunov Sniper Rifle, SKS, and AK series rifles in general looks... |
Assault rifle Assault rifle An assault rifle is a selective fire rifle that uses an intermediate cartridge and a detachable magazine. Assault rifles are the standard infantry weapons in most modern armies... |
7.62mm | Produced under license by BOF Bangladesh Ordnance Factories Bangladesh Ordnance Factories is the largest military industrial complex of Bangladesh Army which produces arms, ammunition, and equipment for the Bangladesh Military.-History:It was inaugurated in 1970... . |
|
| M16A4 M16 rifle The M16 is the United States military designation for the AR-15 rifle adapted for both semi-automatic and full-automatic fire. Colt purchased the rights to the AR-15 from ArmaLite, and currently uses that designation only for semi-automatic versions of the rifle. The M16 fires the 5.56×45mm NATO... |
Assault rifle Assault rifle An assault rifle is a selective fire rifle that uses an intermediate cartridge and a detachable magazine. Assault rifles are the standard infantry weapons in most modern armies... |
5.56mm | With M203 grenade launcher M203 grenade launcher The M203 is a single shot 40 mm grenade launcher designed to attach to a rifle. It uses the same rounds as the older M79 break-action grenade launcher, which utilize the High-Low Propulsion System to keep recoil forces low. Though versatile, and compatible with many rifle models, the M203 was... . |
|
| Type 85 | Sniper rifle Sniper rifle In military and law enforcement terminology, a sniper rifle is a precision-rifle used to ensure more accurate placement of bullets at longer ranges than other small arms. A typical sniper rifle is built for optimal levels of accuracy, fitted with a telescopic sight and chambered for a military... |
7.62mm | ||
| BD-08 | Light machine gun Light machine gun A light machine gun is a machine gun designed to be employed by an individual soldier, with or without an assistant, as an infantry support weapon. Light machine guns are often used as squad automatic weapons.-Characteristics:... |
7.62mm | Produced under license by BOF Bangladesh Ordnance Factories Bangladesh Ordnance Factories is the largest military industrial complex of Bangladesh Army which produces arms, ammunition, and equipment for the Bangladesh Military.-History:It was inaugurated in 1970... . |
|
| Bren Gun | Light machine gun Light machine gun A light machine gun is a machine gun designed to be employed by an individual soldier, with or without an assistant, as an infantry support weapon. Light machine guns are often used as squad automatic weapons.-Characteristics:... |
7.62mm | ||
| Rheinmetall MG 3 | General purpose machine gun General purpose machine gun A general-purpose machine gun is a multi-purpose weapon: it is a machine gun firing a full-power rifle cartridge and which can be used in a variety of roles, from a bipod- or tripod-mounted infantry support weapon to a helicopter door gun or a vehicle-mounted support weapon... |
7.62mm | ||
| Type 63-1 | Mortar Mortar (weapon) A mortar is an indirect fire weapon that fires explosive projectiles known as bombs at low velocities, short ranges, and high-arcing ballistic trajectories. It is typically muzzle-loading and has a barrel length less than 15 times its caliber.... |
60 mm | Being replaced by Type 93. | |
| M 29A1 M29 Mortar The M29 is a United States produced 81 millimeter calibre mortar. It began replacing the M1 Mortar in U.S. service in 1952 being lighter and with greater range. It was replaced by the M252 Mortar in 1984... |
Mortar Mortar (weapon) A mortar is an indirect fire weapon that fires explosive projectiles known as bombs at low velocities, short ranges, and high-arcing ballistic trajectories. It is typically muzzle-loading and has a barrel length less than 15 times its caliber.... |
81mm | ||
| Otokar Cobra Otokar Cobra The Cobra is a wheeled armoured vehicle developed by Turkish firm Otokar, using some components from the American HMMWV. It was first delivered to the Turkish Army in 1997 and most recently, won a contract from a buyer for APV and 4X4 unarmored tactical vehicles.-Survivability:The monocoque steel... |
LAV Armoured fighting vehicle An armoured fighting vehicle is a combat vehicle, protected by strong armour and armed with weapons. AFVs can be wheeled or tracked.... |
24 | A 4x4 wheeled LAV. 17 Received in 2008. 7 are in use with Bangladesh Police Bangladesh Police The Bangladesh Police is the main law enforcement agency of Bangladesh. It is administered under the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Government of Bangladesh. It plays a crucial role in maintaining peace and enforcement of law and order within the whole of Bangladesh... since 2007. |
|
| BGB Shah Jalal | Coastal Patrol Craft | 1 | Akagi class. |
February 2009 Mutiny
On 25 February 2009, the regular BDR soldiers massacred senior officials including family members, killing almost the entire higher echelon of the command structure (about 57 Army officers who were present in the BDR HQ), including the Director General of BDR. The reasons for the mutiny are yet unconfirmed but conspiracy theories are abundant. However, after all the killings, 48 hrs later by early morning hours of 27 February 2009 security forces in Bangladesh rounded up hundreds of fugitive border guards after a two-day mutiny crumbled in the face of a government show of force. The arrests came a day after army tanks surrounded the Bangladesh Rifles’ headquarters in the capital DhakaDhaka
Dhaka is the capital of Bangladesh and the principal city of Dhaka Division. Dhaka is a megacity and one of the major cities of South Asia. Located on the banks of the Buriganga River, Dhaka, along with its metropolitan area, had a population of over 15 million in 2010, making it the largest city...
.