BGB seizes Indian goods worth Tk 6.5 lakh in Satkhira

In a major crackdown against cross-border smuggling, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) seized goods worth Tk 6.5 lakh.

The seizure of Indian goods including medicines, clothing, and other items, is seen as a significant effort to protect the local economy from the damaging effects of unregulated trade, said a press release.

The operation was carried out on Wednesday at various border points in Satkhira’s Sadar and Kalaroa upazilas. Lt. Col. Md. Ashraful Haque, commander of the Satkhira 33 BGB Battalion, stated in a press release that the seized goods were being smuggled from India without paying necessary customs duties, which undermines the national economy.

At Bhomra BOP, BDR seized Indian painkiller medicine oil worth Tk 3.4 lakh at Lakmidari. Similarly, Indian medicine worth Tk 70,000 was seized from Baldaghata by the Baikari BOP team, while Toluigacha BOP intercepted Indian Agarbatis valued at Tk 10,000 from Charabari. Two separate BGB teams at Kakdanga BOP seized Indian sarees and burqas worth Tk 90,000 from Kuthibari and Gerakhali. Additionally, Madra BOP recovered Indian medicine worth Tk 1.4 lakh from Bhadiyali.

Lt. Col. Haque said,”The ongoing smuggling of goods from India is detrimental to our economy, and our operations aim to curb such illegal trade. While the smugglers fled upon spotting our team, we ensured the confiscation of their goods, protecting the nation’s market.”

The goods, now in the custody of the BGB, will be handed over to the Satkhira Customs authorities for further action. (BSS)