Dhaka: The government has decided to equip the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) with sound grenades and tear gas canisters, aligning their capabilities with their Indian counterparts. Home Affairs Adviser, retired lieutenant general Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, announced the decision today, stating that the procurement process has been approved.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the adviser addressed reporters following a meeting on law and order at the Bangladesh Secretariat office. He confirmed that approval had been granted for the purchase of sound grenades and tear shells for the BGB. Chowdhury also noted that there is no cause for India to view this development negatively, as the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) already employs similar weapons along their shared border with Bangladesh.
Chowdhury explained that the BGB is currently equipped with lethal weapons, which are to be used only if the situation demands. When questioned about the potential use of the newly approved non-lethal weapons, he emphasized that the paramilitary force would indeed use them if necessary.
Regarding the current border situation, Alam described it as stable, dismissing any major issues. He reassured that there was no significant problem along the border at present.
According to weapon experts, a sound grenade, also known as a stun grenade or sound bomb, is a non-lethal device designed to temporarily disorient individuals with a loud bang. Tear gas, on the other hand, induces excessive tearing, eye irritation, difficulty swallowing, and a choking sensation, affecting one’s respiratory system.