United News of Bangladesh

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has intensified security and surveillance along Benapole border in Jashore amid concerns over possible push-ins following the situation surrounding the West Bengal Legislative Assembly election in India. Since Thursday morning, strict security measures have been enforced across nearly 102 kilometers of border areas under the jurisdiction of Jessore-49 BGB and Khulna-21 BGB. Commanding Officer of  Jessore-49 BGB Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Golam Mohammad Saiful Alam Khan, said the force remains on high alert to prevent all forms of intrusion and cross-border crimes. Additional BGB members have been deployed at several border points in Benapole including Raghunathpur, Shikarpur, Sadipur, Ghiba, Putkhali, Goga, Daulatpur and Rudrapur. Patrol and round-the-clock monitoring have also been intensified in those areas. Authorities have also warned people against unnecessary movement near border areas, particularly at night. “Strict surveillance is being maintained along the border to ensure that no intruders can enter Bangladesh from India. Additional patrol measures have also been strengthened,” said Colonel Golam Mohammad. Sources said security was tightened considering the situation in West Bengal following the elections.      

In response to escalating protests calling for the resignation of President Mohammed Shahabuddin, security measures have been significantly ramped up around Bangabhaban in Dhaka. Following an attempted break-in at Bangabhaban late last night and violent clashes with police, authorities have imposed a strict security lockdown to prevent further incidents. Law enforcement officials confirmed that security has been tightened today. Barbed wire fencing was installed alongside barricades at the main gate of Bangabhaban, while APBN (Armed Police Battalion), BGB (Border Guard Bangladesh), police, and army personnel have been deployed in armed positions around the area. Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs), water cannons, and riot control vehicles have also been readied in case the protests escalate further. Tensions have remained high as protests continue to surge, with various groups demonstrating outside Bangabhaban since yesterday. Although the daytime protests have remained relatively calm, the previous night saw violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces. Read more: President urges to avoid controversy over Hasina's resignation A robust four-layer security cordon has been established along the main road leading to Bangabhaban, bolstered by a three-layer barbed wire fence to deter any unauthorized access. Despite the increased security, demonstrators have made sporadic attempts to gather near the president’s official residence. When approached for comment, officials from the President’s Office said that there are no current plans to issue a formal statement regarding the protests. The situation remains fluid, and authorities are on high alert to manage any potential escalation.