Bangladesh Rifles
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Bangladesh Rifles is a paramilitary force in Bangladesh. It is mainly associated with guarding the borders of the country. Also, this force is known as "The Vigilant Sentinels of Our National Frontier".
Contents |
[edit] History
Its origin can be traced to the Eastern Frontier Rifles which was established in 1920. This became the East Pakistan Rifles after the Partition of India in 1947. Following the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, and the independence of Bangladesh from Pakistan, it became Bangladesh Rifles in 1972.
[edit] Gallantry awards
The British initially organized this force during the days of the empire. During the independence era, in 1958, the Bangladesh Rifles was given the additional task of carrying out anti-smuggling operations. The organization is proud of its contribution to the independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh, boasting 141 gallantry awards comprising 2 highest gallantry awardees 'Bir Srestho' Lance Naik Nur Mohammed Sheik, and 'Bir Srestho' Lance Naik Munshi Abdur Rouf. Further decorations given to members of the unit include eight Bir Uttams, 40 Bir Bikrams and 91 Bir Pratiks.
After independence, on 3rd March 1972, the force was renamed the 'Bangladesh Rifles'. As a mark of recognition of the courage of its soldiers, the Bangladesh Rifles introduced the 'Bangladesh Rifles Podok' award in 1985 and the 'President Rifles Podok' decoration in 1989. So far, 21 members have won the 'Bangladesh Rifles Podok' and 29 have received the 'President Rifles Podok'. During a fierce border skirmish at BOROIBARI Border Out Post in 2001, three Bangladesh Riflemen were killed in action in fighting with Indian forces. They were honoured with posthumous awards of the Bangladesh Rifles Podok while another five were presented with the President Rifles Podok.
[edit] Mission
To protect, defend and safeguard the border of Bangladesh and prevent smuggling.
[edit] Organisation
- Director-General (DG), Bangladesh Rifles: Major General Shakil Ahmed, psc,
- Deputy Director-General (DDG), Bangladesh Rifles: Brigadier-General S M Golam Rabbani
- Director (Operations and Training): Colonel Chowdhury Hasan Sarwardy, Bir Bikram, psc
- Sector Commander, Dhaka Sector: Colonel Ibrahim Jamal, psc, G
[edit] Manpower
The BDR is headed by a Director General. Its total manpower is 67,000, organised into a central headquarter and various sectors, battalions and border outposts, mainly along the bordering areas of Bangladesh.
[edit] Infantry Weapons
Crew served weapons in service with the Bangladesh Army, and Paramilitary Forces include mortars, recoilless guns and rockets, anti-tank guided missiles, and machine guns. They are deployed in the fire support attachments to the infantry regiment, battalion, and company. Heavy weapons for regiment uses are mostly vehicle-mounted or -towed. Medium and light weapons are carried by hand into firing positions. Some weapons in service with the Bangladesh Army, and Paramilitary Forces include:
Light weapons used by the Bangladeshi Land Forces (Army, Special Operations Forces, Bangladesh Rifles, Ansar, VDP, Rapid Action Battalion, Armed Police Battalion and Police Force) include HP-35, P226, P228, Sterling, MP-5, UZI, AK-47 (Chinese Type 56), AKM, AK-103, M-4, SKS (Type 56/63), FN-FAL, G-3, MSG-90, G3SG/1, HK-11A1, HK-21A1, HK MG-3, DShK, Grenade Launchers, Carl Gustav M-2/M-3, M-40 recoilless rifle, Type 65 RCL, LAW, RPG-7, Type 69-1 RPG, Baktar Shikan, Red Arrow 8, and mortars ranging from 60 mm, 81 mm, 82 mm Type 53, to 120 mm Type 53's.
[edit] Logistical Vehicles
Types of vehicles are active in this role commonly light off-road vehicles, utility 4x4's, tank transporters, troop carriers, water trucks, fuel tankers, and other trucks categorised into 0.5-ton, 3.5-ton, 5-ton, 7-ton, and 12-ton class according to their load capabilities, while the special purpose vehicles are mainly used as chassis for various weapon systems and equipments.
Imported vehicles usually come from various countries including Japan, France, Canada, Netherlands, and occasionally India.
[edit] Activities
- Border protection.
- Anti-smuggling work.
- Coming to the aid of civil and military authorities as directed by the government.
 |
Please help improve this article by expanding this section. Further information might be found on the talk page or at requests for expansion. Please remove this message once the section has been expanded. |
