BGB strengthens border surveillance with advanced drones, thermal technology

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has significantly strengthened its technological capabilities along the country’s borders by deploying advanced drones, anti-drone systems and thermal surveillance equipment under the Home Ministry’s 180-day action plan to enhance border security and curb cross-border crimes.

The technology-focused initiative is among the key achievements highlighted in the implementation of the Home Ministry’s 180-day action plan, which covered the period through August 16, 2026, in line with the BNP’s electoral commitments.

As part of the initiative, the BGB has procured five medium-range drones, 50 short-range thermal-imaging (TI) drones, 82 surveillance drones and 10 handheld anti-drone systems using its own funds.

According to a Home Ministry report, the force has also installed 21 night-vision cameras and thermal surveillance devices along the Myanmar border and 145 such devices along the Indian border. The equipment has significantly improved round-the-clock monitoring in vulnerable border areas.

The initiative comes as the government moves to modernise law enforcement and security agencies through greater use of surveillance technology, intelligence-led operations and digital monitoring.

As part of the broader shift towards technology-driven security, the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre (NTMC) has also completed the modernisation of its firewall system.

The measures are designed to strengthen the government’s ability to identify emerging security threats and respond more effectively through real-time information and advanced technology.

Meanwhile, the Simanta School of Surveillance and Drone Warfare (SSSDW) was inaugurated at the BGB Sector Headquarters in Sylhet on Tuesday, marking another step towards technology-driven border security.

At the inauguration, BGB personnel conducted a series of drone-based surveillance and operational demonstrations, showing how the technology can be used to monitor border areas, prevent illegal push-ins, detect suspicious movements associated with smuggling and respond swiftly to potential threats.

The newly established training school is intended to enhance the BGB’s capacity to operate modern surveillance systems and improve operational preparedness through specialised drone training.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, who attended the event as chief guest, said modern drone technology would strengthen security and surveillance in remote and forested border regions.

He said drones equipped with night-vision and thermal imaging capabilities would allow round-the-clock monitoring and help prevent smuggling, drug trafficking and the illegal movement of arms.

The minister said the training centre would gradually be expanded to include civilians and would be equipped with the latest drone technologies over the next one to two years.

With the growing use of drones, thermal imaging equipment, digital monitoring systems and online public services, the 180-day action plan reflects a broader shift towards technology-driven policing, intelligence-led security and modernised citizen services across the Home Ministry and its subordinate agencies.

However, the Home Ministry report identified budget constraints, limitations in modern technology and manpower shortages as major challenges to fully implementing the action plan.

According to the report, the ministry is working with the Finance Ministry and the Ministry of Public Administration to secure additional funding and expedite the creation of new posts.