Bangladesh detains Indian national after border gunfight
Border guards say suspect was part of group attempting to smuggle firearm and hundreds of methamphetamine pills into Bangladesh before opening fire on patrol
DHAKA, Bangladesh (MNTV) — Bangladesh border guards have detained an Indian national after exchanging gunfire with a group suspected of attempting to smuggle weapons and drugs across the border from India, authorities said.
The confrontation occurred around 10 p.m. Thursday near the Kumarshail border area in Moulvibazar district in northeastern Bangladesh, according to the Dhaka Tribune.
Border Guard Bangladesh identified the detained man as Bolai Das and said he was captured with injuries after other members of the group escaped across the border.
Lt. Col. Ataur Rahman, commander of the BGB’s Biyanibazar Battalion, said border guards had received intelligence that a group of suspected Indian smugglers was preparing to bring firearms and drugs into Bangladesh through the Barlekha border area.
A special patrol was deployed to Kumarshail based on the information.
The BGB said the group opened fire after guards challenged them, prompting its personnel to return fire in self-defense. Das was injured during the exchange and detained, while the others fled.
Border guards said they subsequently recovered a foreign-made pistol, two rounds of ammunition and 500 yaba tablets from Das’ belongings.
Yaba is a tablet containing methamphetamine, typically combined with caffeine, and is an illegal stimulant widely trafficked in parts of South and Southeast Asia.
Das was receiving medical treatment while remaining in BGB custody, and authorities said legal proceedings against him were underway.
The incident involving suspected Indian smugglers comes as cross-border movement has become an increasingly contentious issue between the two neighbors.
India’s ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party and its leaders have frequently accused Bangladeshis of illegally crossing into India and linked them to cross-border smuggling and other crimes.
The BGB said it had increased patrols and intelligence surveillance in the border area following the confrontation in an effort to prevent further smuggling and unauthorized crossings.
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
