Proposal for the Formation of the Border Defence Force (BDF) of Bangladesh

Reading Time: 12 minutes This proposal recommends the amalgamation of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) into a single unified Border Defence Force (BDF) to ensure seamless protection of Bangladesh’s land and maritime frontiers, eliminate bureaucratic overlap, maximize resource utilisation, and prepare for emerging asymmetric and non-traditional threats. Vision Statement “To create a technologically advanced, agile, and unified border force capable of defending Bangladesh’s territorial integrity across land and sea, through integration, innovation, and strategic deterrence.” Justification for Amalgamation CategoryBorder Guard Bangladesh (BGB)Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG)Overlap/RedundancyJurisdictionLand Borders (4,427 km)Maritime Borders (710 km EEZ)Riverine, estuarine, and border townsIntelligenceSeparate systemsSeparate systemsDuplicated collection, no fusionTrainingSeparate academies, doctrinesSeparate training pipelinesLack of inter-service familiarityEquipment ProcurementMoHA-fundedMoHA-funded (Navy-assisted)Logistics inefficiencyCommandArmy deputed officersNavy deputed officersInconsistent policy execution Proposed Structure of the Border Defence Force Leadership & Command Director General, BDF – Lt. General equivalent; direct reporting to the Ministry of Home Affairs with strategic