Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the government will strengthen technology-based surveillance along Bangladesh’s borders to curb smuggling, drug and arms trafficking, human trafficking and illegal entry. Speaking Tuesday as chief guest at the inauguration of the Border School of Surveillance and Drone Warfare at the BGB Sector Headquarters in Sylhet, he said thermal-capable and night-mission drones would be used in difficult border areas.

Ahmed said effective monitoring of remote border zones is difficult using personnel alone. He said drones could identify activities on the other side of the border and enable authorities to take necessary action quickly. After the event, the minister inspected the training centre’s activities and watched a practical drone demonstration.

The minister said Border Guard Bangladesh is being modernised to tackle crime in border areas, alongside efforts to establish technology-based surveillance and build skilled, trained personnel. He also said initiatives are being considered to manufacture and assemble drones in the country, and that drone technology could assist relief distribution and rescue operations during disasters. He added that the government remains alert to prevent mob culture and has brought it under control to a significant extent.