After strengthening surveillance at the border, the smuggling ring was not saved in the end, even though the old smuggling route was abandoned and the new road was used.

15 Burmese cows were seized during smuggling during an operation by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) at the Naikhongchari border in Cox’s Bazar.

The operation was conducted by 11 battalions of the BGB in the area adjacent to border pillars 51, 52 and 53 on the Myanmar border in Naikhongchari upazila late on Saturday night.

According to BGB sources, due to the increase in patrolling and intelligence surveillance in the border area in recent times, smugglers have adopted a new strategy of smuggling cows using paved and semi-paved roads instead of old inaccessible mountain trails.
New route, old ring Based on secret information, the BGB learned that the smugglers were planning to use the Naikhongchari-Painchhari-Kurikshyang-Chikanchhari-Baishari road to deliver the cows to Eidgaon or Khutakhali areas.

Investigators believe that the cattle were later supplied to markets in different districts of the country from these areas.

After receiving the information, additional patrols and check posts were set up on the road on Saturday night.

Sensing the presence of the BGB at that time, the smugglers abandoned the cows on the side of the road and fled taking advantage of the hilly jungle and darkness.

Later, 15 Burmese cows were seized from the scene, whose estimated market value is several lakhs of taka.

Impact of smuggling on the border economy According to multiple sources related to the border, illegal cattle smuggling from Myanmar has been under the control of an organized ring for a long time.

It is alleged that this smuggling activity is carried out with the help of local brokers, transport workers and some unscrupulous networks on the border.

On the one hand, the government is losing huge revenue, while on the other hand, local legitimate farmers are facing losses.

BGB’s position The BGB said that regular patrols, intelligence surveillance and special operations are continuing to curb smuggling in the border areas.

An investigation is underway to identify those involved in this incident and action is being taken as per the prevailing law regarding the seized cows.

A responsible BGB official said, “Although smugglers have changed their tactics, BGB’s surveillance is becoming more modern and information-based.

We are on the highest alert to prevent any kind of illegal infiltration and smuggling at the border.”

Experts believe that this crime can be effectively controlled only if social awareness is increased in the border areas, coordination between local administration and intelligence agencies, and the economic chain of smuggling can be broken in addition to the operations.