Smuggling cattle through the porous border was regular in Thakurgaon and many who took risks to illegally enter India to bring cows didn’t return, losing their lives to firing by Indian BSF.
After the death of a class eight student in 2014, the scene has changed. Bangladesh Border Guards, BGB, began a project called ‘Enlightened border’. Now the instances of crossing to the other side unlawfully have fallen with many locals making profit by taking cattle from BGB’s farm to sell them in the market.
In 2014, a class eight student called Shah Alam was shot when he crossed over illegally to get cattle.
While handing over his lifeless body to the grieving family, BGB’s the then commander, Lt. Col. Tushar bin Yusuf, became emotional and felt the need to seek out an alternative income source without danger.
To counter illegal entry into India and to ensure a steady livelihood, he took the initiative to start the project “Alokito Shimanto” or enlightened border. With support from Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank and private NGO, ESDO, the project began with Tk. 8 lakh 97 thousand.
Twenty three families of the area with 80 members are being benefitted directly. The project has different facets: cattle farm, poultry, mushroom cultivation, bee-keeping, handicrafts, bio-gas plant and others.
There’s also a park for children’s entertainment.
Distraught father of Shah Alam, says: “our son is not alive but we have found a way for regular income.”
UP chairman, Ayub Ali, says: “BGB’s initiative has created a stir in the area; many smugglers are back to normal life.”
Sirajul Islam, once involved in illegal cattle smuggling, observed: “no one crosses the border anymore; we have a way to make an honest living.”
BGB’s current commander, Lt. Col of 50 battalion, Lt. Col. Mohammad Hossain, feels that with assistance from all quarters, such projects can be set up near the border areas with long term social benefits.
BGB will not only guard the border but also stress on developing the moral values among residents near the border, he stressed.