The number of arrest of smugglers on the Indo-Bangla border has gone up this year, while that of death in firing has declined, BSF, which is celebrating its 48th Raising Day, said today.
In 2013, 4879 illegal entrants and smugglers were arrested while the figures for 2012, 2011 and 2010 stood at 3470, 2683, and 2886, respectively, BSF Additional Director General, East, B D Sharma said.
Asked if the number of illegal migrants have increased because of political unrest in Bangladesh, Sharma replied, "No we don't think so."
The seizure of fake currency, ganja and heroin has also gone up this year.
Fake currency notes with face value of around Rs 78,31,300, 6353 kg of ganja and 32.030 kg of heroin have been seized by the BSF on the Indo-Bangla border.
The number of deaths due to firing on the border by the BSF to prevent smuggling and illegal migration, however, has come down to 15 in the first 10 months of 2013 in comparison to 26 last year.
Asked whether action has been taken on the list of camps and criminals provided to the Border Guards Bangladesh, Sharma said, "Yes we have given the list. But it is very difficult as the bordering areas are mainly covered by forests. So it is also tough for them too.
