BGB steps up border searches to block escape of Hadi shooters

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has intensified security and search operations along the Benapole border in Jashore to prevent those involved in the attempted killing of Inquilab Mancha Convenor Sharif Osman bin Hadi from fleeing the country.

On Saturday, the Jashore-49 BGB Battalion said strict searches are under way across a 70.27km stretch of the border, from main pillar 18/1S to 47/3S.

Patrols and intelligence surveillance have been stepped up in sensitive and high-risk areas, with additional BGB personnel deployed. Border points without barbed-wire fencing have been sealed.

Hadi was shot at around 2:15pm on Friday near the Bijoynagar water tank in Dhaka. He was travelling in a moving rickshaw when an assailant riding pillion on a motorcycle fired a single shot at him, striking his head.

Hadi was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where surgeons performed emergency brain surgery, leaving part of the skull open. He was later transferred to Evercare Hospital in the Bashundhara Residential Area, where he is currently being treated in the intensive care unit. Doctors have said his condition remains “critical”.

Lieutenant Colonel Saifullah Siddiqui, commanding officer of the Jashore-49 BGB Battalion, said the force is maintaining the “highest level of vigilance” to ensure the suspects cannot escape across the border into India.

Searches have been strengthened at every border point, he said.

BGB surveillance has been increased in areas including Benapole ICP, Amrakhali, Sadipur, Raghunathpur, Ghiba, Shikarpur, Shalkona, Kashipur, Masila, Andulia and Panchpishtala, where vehicles and suspected individuals have been checked since morning.

Assistant Director Sohel Al Mujahid said the BGB is working in coordination with the local administration and law-enforcing agencies to prevent any infiltration or criminal activity.

The heightened surveillance and search operations will continue until the situation returns to normal, he said.