Thursday, February 26, 2009

Glorious history of BDR: what next?

From BDR website:

This force, labelled as 'ever-vigilant sentinels of the border’ started its journey in 1795 as ‘Ramgarh Local Battalion’. Later on, this force had been reshaped more in agency, name and uniform in accordance with the ever growing demand of the time. In 1799, the force established the first camp in the uniquely lush green abode of Peelkhana named as ‘Special Reserve Compaq.

Bangladesh Rifles took part in many military operations including the First and Second World Wars. During Independence of Bangladesh, this force had fought valiantly and successfully in a number of border skirmishes is Lathitila, Dohogram, Laksmipur, Assalong and Boroibari. Major Tofael was awarded the highest military award of erstwhile Pakistan, ‘Nishan-e-Haider’, for his action in the Laksmipur Operation. During the War of Liberation, soldier of this force took up arms against the occupation army. The contribution in the War of Liberation earned 142 gallantry awards including two ‘Bir Sresthos’ (the highest gallantry award).

Here is a chronology how BDR evolved.

Ramgarh Local Battalion (1795-1860)
‘The Frontier Protection Force’ was formed by East India Company. It was re-named as Ramgarh Local Battalion in 1795 and was assigned of suppressing the insurgents in Ramgarh area.

Frontier Guards (1861-1890)
The Frontier Guards war re-organized and re-arranged modern weapons, in 1891. It was named ‘Bengal Military Police’. Commanded by a Subedar (Senior Warrant Officer); the Battalion had four companies located at Dhaka, Dhumka and Gangtok.

Bengal Military Police-(1891-1919)
The Frontier Guards was re-organized and re-modem weapons, in 1891. It was named ‘Bengal Military Police’. Commanded by a Subedar (Senior Warrant Office); the Battalion had four companies located at Dhaka, Dhumka and Gangtok.

Eastern Frontier Rifles (1920-1946)
To revitalize this organization, its strength and re-name as ‘Eastern Frontier Rifles’ in 1920. Its primary task was to protect the box.

East Pakistan Rifles (1947-1971)
After the partition of Indian sub-continent ‘Eastern Frontier Rifles’ was re-grouped and re-named as East Pakistan Rifles. A metropolitan armed police of Calcutta and some 1000 ex-soldiers of West Pakistan merged into the force. Officers from the army were employed and it was assigned border protection and anti smuggling duties. The strength of the force was 13,454, March, 1971.

Bangladesh Rifles (1972)
After the emergence of Bangladesh Pakistan Rifles was re-named as Bangladesh Rifles in 1972. dress of Bangladesh Rifles was introduced in the year 2002.

If this history is any guide, are we going to see another reorganisation of BDR after this rebellion?

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