Border fence issue to be discussed through diplomatic channels: Home Minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said that the issue of erecting a barbed wire fence on the Bangladesh-India border will be discussed through diplomatic channels through the central government.

He said this after a meeting held on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha at the Secretariat on the law and order situation and the security of sacrificial animal markets on Tuesday (May 12).

The minister said that the government is on alert regarding border security, prevention of illegal infiltration (push-in) and the overall situation.

He said that the issue of erecting a barbed wire fence will be discussed through diplomatic channels. Our main concern is border security and prevention of push-in.

Highlighting the security arrangements surrounding Eid-ul-Azha, he said that the hotline of the Bangladesh Police Headquarters will be open for seven days before and after Eid. Besides, additional security measures have been taken to maintain the law and order situation normal.

He also said that initiatives are being taken to ensure fair prices for the skins of sacrificial animals and a meeting will be held with the Ministry of Commerce in this regard.

The Home Minister also announced the installation of machines to detect counterfeit notes in animal markets and the launch of a hotline to stop extortion in animal-carrying vehicles.

He also mentioned that strict measures will be taken to ensure the security of Eid congregations.

The minister said that a decision has been taken to distribute salt worth about Tk 20 crore to preserve the skins.