Govt to erect fence on Myanmar border to stop drug smuggling

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said on Monday the government is set to install wire fence and build road on Myanmar border, reports UNB.
He said the government will set up the fence mainly to stop smuggling of Yaba tablets and other illegal drugs in the country.
"Besides, initiatives have been taken to make stronger Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), coast guard and river police to make sure that no illegal drugs can be smuggled in the country," he opined.
The minister made the comments while speaking at a programme at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the city, marking 'International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking'.
Director General (DG) of Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) M Jamal Uddin Ahmed presided over the programme.
About various measures taken by the government to stop Yaba tablets smuggling, the minister said, "We have already forwarded a list of Yaba-producing factories to Myanmar authorities."
"The government signed several agreements for stopping the factories on border, but they (Myanmar) are yet to take any initiative to this end."
"Myanmar authorities even do not comply with their promises which they used to give at the regular meetings on stopping drug smuggling," he said.
"Border outposts have already been increased on Banbdarban and Nikhangchhari borders to stop drug smuggling," he went on.
"We will set up devices at the entry points of Yaba tablets with good experience of installing such a device on Putkhali border," he informed.
"The government is committed to rooting out drug abuse from the country, and for this reason, we are now preparing a list of the people who are giving shelters to the drug peddlers providing them with money and houses. None, whatever powerful they might be, would be spared if they are found involved in drug trading," he vowed.
The minister also reiterated his promise to continue nationwide anti-narcotics crackdowns until the drug peddling is curbed.
Among others, Faridul Haque Khan, MP, Security Services Division Secretary of the Home Ministry Farid Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia and Director General of Fire Service and Civil Defence Brig Gen Ali Ahmed, also spoke on the occasion."