The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has enforced the highest alert across various border points in Benapole to prevent the smuggling of arms and fake currency.

With the upcoming national parliamentary election approaching, surveillance and security measures have been significantly intensified.

Lt Col Saifullah Siddiqui, commanding officer of the 49-BGB Battalion in Jashore, confirmed it to this correspondent.

"Ahead of the national election, BGB has been maintaining the highest level of alert to prevent the smuggling of arms, fake currency, and other contraband through the borders. All vulnerable border routes have been sealed off to stop any kind of illegal movement," said Lt Col Saifullah.

Following several recent incidents of counterfeit Indian currency entering Bangladesh through border routes, law enforcement and intelligence agencies have increased vigilance, he said.

The BGB commanding officer said smuggled arms could be used to create unrest and destabilise the country ahead of the election.

According to BGB sources, strict surveillance has been reinforced at several key border areas, including Sadipur, Ghiba, Dhannakhola, Shikarpur, Putkhali, Raghunathpur, Rudrapur, and Goga.

At the Benapole check-post immigration point, security personnel have increased searches of both passengers and cargo vehicles, they said.

Besides, luggage scanning and monitoring have also been stepped up for all incoming and outgoing travellers.

Port Director Shamim Hossain told this correspondent that as Bangladesh's largest land port, Benapole has come under a tightened security cordon. The port authorities have also imposed restrictions on the entry of outsiders into the terminal area.