BDR at a glance

Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), labelled as the ever-vigilant sentinels of the border, is the paramilitary force of Bangladesh. As a force, BDR is second in size only to Bangladesh Army, according to Banglapedia.
Headed by a director general, the main job of the 67,000-strong BDR force include border protection, anti-smuggling work and coming to the aid of civil and military authorities as directed by the government.
BDR has a glorious history of over 200 years.
Bangladesh Rifles succeeded East Pakistan Rifles (EPR) in 1972 after Bangladesh was born.
EPR was established in 1947 as a successor to the Eastern Frontier Rifles, which was established in 1920. Before 1920, the Bengal Military Police had guarded the borders since 1891.
Bengal Military Police had succeeded Ramgarh Local Battalion which was formed in 1795, according to official website of BDR.
Rich in heritage, this force demonstrated its superior fighting skills and velour during the Liberation War as 817 soldiers embraced death in the war to become martyrs.
This force had fought valiantly and successfully in a number of border skirmishes during the Liberation War including the ones in Lathitila, Dohogram, Laxmipur, Assalong and Boroibari.
Two of the seven Bir Shrestha, the highest military award of Bangladesh, awards were given to BDR's Lance Naik Nur Mohammad Sheik and Lance Naik Munshi Abdur Rouf.
Another eight BDR soldiers were given Bir Uttam, 32 Bir Bikram and 78 Bir Pratik awards.
It also took part in the First and the Second World War.
The soldiers of BDR play a vital role in protecting the 4,427km border of Bangladesh.
BDR is also a familiar force in Bangladesh sports arena.