The government has decided to equip the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) with sound grenades and tear gas canisters, aligning with the weaponry already used by their Indian counterparts, Home Affairs Adviser Retired Lt. Gen. Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury announced today.

“We have approved the purchase of sound grenades and tear shells for the BGB,” he told reporters after a law and order meeting at the Bangladesh Secretariat.

When asked about India's possible reaction, Chowdhury dismissed concerns, stating that there was no reason for India to view the move negatively, as their Border Security Force (BSF) already deploys similar weapons along the Bangladesh border.

He further said that the BGB is currently armed with lethal weapons, which would only be used if necessary. 

Asked if BGB was allowed to use the weapons to be procured, he posed a counter question as to why the paramilitary force would not use them if required after purchasing the sound grenades and tear gas canisters. 

Alam, however, described the current border situation as stable. 

“There is no big problem on the border,” he said as asked for comments on the issue. 

According to weapon experts a sound grenade, also referred to as a stun grenade or sound bomb, is a non-lethal explosive device used to temporarily disorient mobs or enemies with a very loud bang. 

The tear gas on the other hand causes excessive tearing, burning, blurred vision in one’s eye, difficulty in wallowing in the mouth, and a choking sensation in the lungs.
 
BDST: 2044 HRS, JAN 20, 2025
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