An investigation by Amar Desh has identified border areas in Mymensingh, Netrokona and Sherpur as allegedly vulnerable corridors for the smuggling of arms, drugs and commercial goods. Published on August 13, 2026, the report says the long Bangladesh section adjoining India’s Meghalaya lacks its own barbed-wire fence, leaving broad open areas that residents say are used by organised smuggling groups.

The report, citing local accounts, says weapons, narcotics, medicines, liquor, cattle and consumer goods enter Bangladesh from India, while fish, farm products, plastic items, garments and gold are allegedly moved in the other direction. Border Guard Bangladesh officers said hilly terrain, forests, rivers and open land make continuous surveillance difficult.

Mymensingh 39 BGB commander Lieutenant Colonel Nurul Azim Bayezid said liquor and tapentadol tablet smuggling is prevalent along roughly 80 kilometres under his command, though recent operations reduced tapentadol trafficking somewhat. Netrokona 31 BGB commander Lieutenant Colonel Touhidul Bari cited limited personnel and about 90 kilometres of difficult, open border. Analysts called for technology-based surveillance, infrastructure improvements and coordinated action.