HC proposes border zone as BGB territory, calls for clear, flat land up to 8km

In a significant judgment aimed at enhancing border security, the High Court has put forward four key recommendations to the National Parliament. These measures are intended to bolster the border security of Bangladesh, reduce inter-state border crime to zero, and prevent national revenue evasion.

The recommendations were articulated in a judgment acquitting Zakir Hossain, who had been sentenced to three years in prison following the recovery of Indian sarees at the Jessore border during an anti-smuggling operation in 1987. The verdict, delivered on August 3 last year by Justice Md Ashraful Kamal's bench, was released in an 11-page document on Saturday.

Recommendations for the National Parliament:

1. Declaration of BGB Property: The area up to 10 miles inside Bangladesh from the border should be declared as the property of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).
2. Compensation: Private property owners affected by this declaration should be compensated. Losses should be assessed, and government property of equal value should be allocated in their name.
3. Maintaining Visibility: The land up to 8 kilometers from the borderline should be kept completely empty and flat. This measure ensures that every inch of this land is clearly visible from a distance of 8 kilometers.
4. BGB Activity Zone: The area between 8-10 kilometers from the border should be reserved for all activities of BGB, including training.

The High Court has directed the Registrar General of the Supreme Court to send copies of the judgment and orders via email to lower court judges, the Director General of BGB, the Home Ministry Secretary, and Members of Parliament to ensure that these recommendations are considered and potentially implemented.

These recommendations mark a significant step towards enhancing national security and combating smuggling and revenue evasion at the borders.