Bangladesh, a South Asian country bordering India and Myanmar (Burma), shares a strong diplomatic relationship with the US and a vision for an inclusive, secure, and prosperous future. The US is providing humanitarian assistance to help meet the urgent needs of the refugees fleeing ethnic violence in Burma and continues to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Bangladesh in their efforts to defeat extremism.

Members of the Bangladesh Border Guard receive training from their US counterparts on canine medical treatment techniques.

In an effort to combat terrorism and support the interdiction of narcotics and people being trafficked alongside and among the flow of refugees, a US team is working with the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and their canine counterparts. These Bangladeshi dog handlers serve a crucial role in the identification and seizure of smuggled narcotics and explosives as well as overall border security. A US military veterinarian is providing training to give the BGB the ability to perform physical exams on their dogs, allowing them to better identify and treat conditions that could limit their effectiveness. To enhance this training and ensure the BGB is properly equipped to treat their furry friends, the US team reached out to Spirit of America.

A member of the BGB conducts IV training during a subject matter expert exchange.

These dogs serve as a force multiplier for the security and stability of Bangladesh. With your support, Spirit of America can donate supplies to help the US team and veterinarian provide critical training to the Border Guard Bangladesh dog handlers. This veterinary seminar will provide a platform to enhance the BGB’s capacity to respond to security threats, as well as natural and man-made disasters. At the same time, this project will help build a stronger relationship between the US troops and their Bangladeshi partners in the fight against violent extremism, and support Bangladesh as it moves toward a more secure future.