BGB
5 detained for trying to sneak into India
Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) on Thursday detained five Bangladeshis -- three women and two children -- in Jhenaidah's Bakoshpota village while they were allegedly trying to sneak into India.
Read:6 held along Jhenaidah border for trespass
The five have been handed over to the local police, officials said on Friday. In fact, since January this year, the border guards have detained a total of 928 people for trying to illegally enter the neighbouring country.
The five detained by the BGB in Maheshpur upazila's Bakoshpota village have been identified as 65-year-old Fulmati Shil, 32-year-old Mita Shil and her nine-year-old son Joy, all residents of Satkhira’s Lautara village, and Banani Mondol, 27, and her son Deb, 8, of Purbo Jhiler Danga village.
Read: 27 held from Jhenaidah border while entering the country illegally
According to the BGB, attempts to illegal crossover to India have not stopped despite the closure of the international border in view of the worsening Covid-19 situation in Bangladesh.
Bangladeshis easily sneaking into India can be attributed to a fence-less, porous land border, officials said.
Read:10 killed in Jhenaidah road accident
Bangladeshi injured in BSF firing along Lalmonirhat border
A Bangladeshi national was shot and wounded by the members of Indian Border Security Force(BSF) along Durgapur border in Aditmari upazila of Lalmonirhat district early Tuesday.
The victim was identified as Milon Islam, son of Raza Mia of Chauratari area.
Read: Indian teen shot by BSF handed over by BGB
Quoting local people, BGB said, the BSF troops from Padna Camp opened fire on a group of Bangladeshi people numbering 4/5 when they reached near border pillar no 925, leaving Milon injured.
Later, he was taken to Lalmonirhat Sadar Hospital from where he was taken to Rangpur Medical College and Hospital, said commanding officer of BGB-15 Battalion, Towhid.
A letter has been sent to BSF protesting the incident, he said.
People still trying to leave Dhaka defying restrictions, ignoring Covid risks
Many people are still making frantic efforts to leave Dhaka to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with their families in villages defying a ban on inter-district public transport due to the worsening Covid-19 situation.
Eid-ul-Fitr, the largest religious festival of the Muslims, is scheduled to be celebrated across the country later this week. Thousands of people started to leave the city from early in the morning on Sunday.
Witnesses said a large number of people were seen crossing Tongi Bridge from Abdullahpur of Uttara, Amin Bazar Bridge from Gabtoli, Postagola Burigonga bridge of Shympur and Babu Bazar Burigonga Bridge on foot.
The government has imposed lockdown restrictions since April due to an increase in the coronavirus infection. Even though long-distance buses are shut, people are travelling to villages in any way they can.
Also read: BGB deployed on Paturia-Daulatdia, Shimulia-Banglabazar routes
The number of ferries has been reduced at Mawa and Paturia terminals and BGB members have been deployed there to prevent people from crossing the Padma.
Despite the government's effort, people are continuing to rush to northern and southern districts from Dhaka on small vehicles ignoring health risks.
Ferry services were closed during the day.
BGB deployed on Paturia-Daulatdia, Shimulia-Banglabazar routes
Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) teams have been deployed on the Paturia-Daulatdia and Shimulia-Banglabazar routes in Manikganj and Munshiganj from tonight to stop the mad rush of homebound people.
Md Shariful Islam, Public relations officer of the BGB headquarters confirmed the development to UNB.
He warned that strict actions will be taken against those gathering at the ferry terminals despite suspension on water vessels plying from tomorrow.
Earlier today, Paturia ferry terminal saw a mad rush of homebound people ahead of Eid despite a so-called decision of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) to suspend daytime ferry services.
Also read: Ferry services suspended to contain spread of Covid
BIWTC took the decision late Friday night to suspend daytime ferry services on Paturia-Daulatdia and Shimulia-Banglabazar routes from Saturday morning as per government instructions to curb the spread of coronavirus infection ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.
However, three ferries were selected to transport ambulances and hearse vehicles.
While visiting Paturia ferry terminal early Saturday morning, the UNB correspondent saw flocks of people stranded there, completely unaware of the hastily made late night decision of BIWTC.
Although some of them were forced to return, hundreds of passengers continued to hold their ground in an attempt to celebrate Eid with the loved ones at any cost.
Also read: Mad rush of homebound people at Paturia terminal
When an ambulance carrying a dead body was getting into the Madhobilota, a ferry kept for emergency situations, hundreds of these people forced themselves onto it.
The same incident happened with two other ferries anchored at separate terminals of Paturia.
After a few hours, two of those ferries, carrying hundreds of people, left the terminals and this was more or less the entire story of the day, which means the late night suspension of BIWTC has proved insufficient.
However, Jillur Rahman, deputy general manager of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) Aricha office said, “At all times the plying of water vessels has been suspended following BIWTC’s decision. Only three ferries are operational for emergency use. But we are facing difficulties in operating them because of excessive pressure by people wanting to get in.”
Shutting border with India: Experts praise it as prudent decision
Experts have highly appreciated the government for its move to shut the border with India for the next 14 days as they think that the border control is now crucial to block the highly infectious virus variants that have emerged in the neighbouring country.
They warned that Bangladesh may face the similar catastrophic Covid crisis like in India if the 'triple mutant variant or 'Bengal strain' spread to Bangladesh by any means as it is reportedly more infectious than any other strain in the world.
The experts said the government should now put the BGB members on high alert so that no one can enter Bangladesh from India until the situation improves in West Bengal and other bordering states.
Earlier in the day, the government announced to shut borders with India for any kind of movement except that of cargoes for the next 14 days from Monday to control the spread of the deadly Coronavirus. The decision will become effective from 6 am on Monday.
India on Sunday reported a record daily rise of 349,691 new coronavirus infections and became the first country in the world to add over 3 lakh cases to its tally for four consecutive days. West Bengal is one of the worst-hit states due to the emergence of a triple mutant strain.
Also read: Border with India to remain shut for 14 days: FM
A total of 2,767 people were reported dead on Sunday, according to the Indian health ministry data, taking the total coronavirus fatalities to 192,311.
Remaining on high alert
Prof Dr Muzaherul Huq, former regional adviser of the World Health Organization, South East Asia Region, said the deteriorating Covid situation in India is a matter of serious concerns for Bangladesh.
He said the government has taken the right decision to close the border with India. “We should also keep suspending rail, water and air connectivity with India until the situation becomes normal there.”
Public health expert MH Chowdhury (Lenin), chairman of the medicine department at the Health and Hope Hospital, said the coronavirus spreads between people, mainly when an infected person comes in close contact with another.
“This virus has shown that it knows no boundaries and respects no borders. So, when the virus transmission is exploding alarmingly in our neighbouring country through double and 'triple mutant variants’, it was necessary for us to remain alert and take effective steps to avert a catastrophic situation. We hope the government’s decision of shutting the border with India can help contain the spread of deadly virus strains now prevailing in the neighbouring country,” he said.
Also read: India's COVID-19 tally nearing 17 mln
The expert said the government should now put the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) on the highest alert so that no one can trespass the border.
Eminent virologist Prof Nazrul Islam, a member of the National Technical Advisory Committee (NTAC) on Covid-19, said their panel suggested the government ensuring a 14-day institutional quarantine for all those who will enter Bangladesh from India instead of completely closing the border.
“As the government has decided to shut the borders, we hope the government will take necessary steps to implement its decision,” he said.
Doing genome sequencing
Dr Lenin said the government should give focus on regular genome sequencing study to detect whether the double and 'triple mutant variant' of Covid-19 has a prevalence in Bangladesh and know the changes in the nature of the virus.
He said wearing masks is the main protective weapon against any variant, be it double or 'triple mutant one. “So, we must encourage and force our people to wear masks by taking various steps, including forming monitoring teams in every locality and enforcing the law.
Also read: India's crematoriums overwhelmed as virus 'swallows people'
Lenin said the second wave of the virus came due to a relaxed attitude, lack of awareness and effective control measures. “We’ll also witness the third wave if we become reckless again.”
Preparing to face the worst
Despite taking all the preventive measures, Dr Lenin said, the 'triple mutant variant' can travel to Bangladesh. “So, we need to take preparations in advance for ensuring adequate oxygen supply to hospitals and increase beds and ensure all other necessary equipment to tackle any possible worst situation in the days to come.”
He said the government should also form mobile medical teams and take preparations for installing field hospitals to ensure proper healthcare if the country experiences a further surge in the virus infection like India.
The expert said it seems the virus transmission in the country has decreased due to the lockdown. “So, we should work out some strategies to come out from the lockdown in phases. If we suddenly ease the lockdown and reopen everything without any strategy and preventive measures, the situation may deteriorate further.”
No alternative to vaccination
Dr Muzaherul said the government has no alternative to ensuring 25 crore vaccine jabs for 12.5 crore people to achieve herd immunity and thus get rid of the virus.
Also read: Bangladesh to get 21 lakh Covid vaccine doses by early May: DGHS
He said the government should intensify its efforts to get vaccine/s from different sources instead of depending on one country.
Dr Muzaherul said though the virus transmission rate has been showing a declining trend, there is no room for complacency as it may increase anytime for lack of proper preventive measures.
He said the government lacks a comprehensive plan and strategy to control the virus outbreak.
“For lack of such a strategy, we’re enforcing lockdowns, but cannot implement the restrictions. We’re also reopening everything before the virus infection comes under control. These are not scientific decisions. Without having a right strategy in place, it may not be possible to contain such a highly contagious virus,” Muzaherul observed.
Read Virus ‘swallowing’ people in India; crematoriums overwhelmed
Indian teen shot by BSF handed over by BGB
Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has handed over the Indian teenager who crossed into Bangladesh through Kurigram's Fulbari border after being shot by Indian Border Security Force (BSF) on Saturday.
The BGB invited the BSF to a flag meeting at Fulbari's Anantapur border on Sunday. During the meeting, the BGB handed over Milon Miah, 18, to members of the BSF 192 Battalion Jhikri camp of Cooch Behar.
Also Read: BSF won't let BGB build mosque at 200-year-old site
Lieutenant Colonel SM Touhidul Alam, commanding officer of Lalmonirhat 15 BGB Battalion, confirmed this to UNB.
Milon was handed over to BSF after he was provided treatment at Kurigram General Hospital and his condition became stable.
On Saturday, he entered Bangladesh after sustaining a bullet wound during the election violence in the Cooch Bihar of India. The teenager is from Sahebganj of the district.
As the wounded Milon went to his maternal grandfather's house in Kurigram's Nageshwari upazila, police detained him from there and took him to the hospital. He was later handed over to the BGB as his condition became stable.
Also Read: BSF reaffirms to use non-lethal weapons on border
Towhidul Alam said Milon was shot as he went out during a curfew enforced by the Indian government.
Hefazat’s day-long hartal ends amid violence, clashes
The nationwide dawn-to-dusk hartal, enforced by Hefajat-e-Islam, passed off on Sunday amid sporadic incidents of clashes, vandalism, arson attacks and roads blockades at different parts of the country.
However, the hartal that began around 6am and ended at 6pm had little impact on the everyday life of people in the capital, except the low presence of public vehicles on the city streets. Rickshaws dominated the streets of the capital as usual.
A large number of law enforcers remained deployed at important city points to fend off any trouble.
Only a few long-distance buses left Dhaka for different districts while the train service was normal with poor presence of passengers.
Hefazat activists brought out processions in the capital's different areas, including Jatrabari, Paltan, Baitul Mukarram, Lalbagh, Mohammadpur and Basila, in support of the shutdown.
Hefazat activists blocked Jatrabari and Signboard in the morning setting fire to tyres.
Clashes in Brahmanbaria leave five dead
At least five people were killed and around 50 others, including 25 police members, injured in clashes between law enforcers and locals during demonstrations at Nandanpur in Sadar upazila on Saturday.
They staged the demonstrations against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bangladesh and chanted various slogans against his visit.
Police and witnesses said a group of activists of Hefazat-e-Islam took position on Dhaka-Sylheht Highway in Nandanpur area in the afternoon and started demonstrating right there against Modi’s visit and the killing of people in Brahmanbaria and Chittagong on Friday.
Also read: Four killed in clashes with cops in Chattogram
The clash began as the members of police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) tried to disperse them.
Hearing the news of the clash, local people also joined the demonstrations and attacked the law enforcers, forcing them to fire several rounds of bullet, leaving many people injured.
Also read: Protest against Modi’s visit: 50 injured as Muslim devotees, cops clash in Dhaka
Scores of injured people were taken to Brahmanbaria Sadar Hospital, said Rana Nurus Shams, resident medical officer (RMO) of the hospital.
He said they have so far declared five of the injured dead.
Also read: Modi visit: Protesters clash with cops at Motijheel; 20 injured
Four of the dead were identified as a workshop owner Juru Alam, 35, day-labourers Badal Mia, 24, Sujon Mia, 22, and plumber Kausar, 25.
The identity of another dead could not be known yet.
An uneasy calm at Hathazari after Friday’s mayhem
Traffic movement on Chattogram-Khagrachhari highway remained suspended since Saturday morning as a tense situation has been prevailing at Hathazari in Chattogram since Friday’s clash between Hefazat activists and cops that left four people dead.
Local administration and police held two meetings with the authorities of Hathazari Madrasah on Friday night but it ended inconceivably.
Local MP Barrister Anisul Islam said local administration assured them of taking steps to investigate the incident and conduct postmortems on the bodies of the deceased.
Meanwhile, the authorities concerned of Hathazari Madrasah submitted a six-point demand to the local administration.
Also read: Four killed in clashes with cops in Chattogram
The demands are the arrest of those involved in the killing immediately, refraining from making attacks on students and people, compensating the families of the deceased, bearing medical expenses of the injured students, bringing those physicians under book who were responsible for the negligence of duty at Chattogram Medical College and Hosptial and suspending officer-in-charge of Hathazari Police Station Rafiqul.
Anisul said, “We have heard their demands, some have been fulfilled while steps will be taken regarding the other demands of the students.”
Apart from police, Rab and BGB members are patrolling the area for maintaining the law and order.
Earlier, four people were killed and at least 15 others injured in clashes between Hefazat-e-Islam activists and police at Hathazari on Friday.
Police and witnesses said Hefazat activists brought out a procession after Jum'a prayers protesting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bangladesh visit.
At one stage, they took position in front of Hathazari Model Police Station and started throwing brick chips at the law enforcers.
Also read: Allama Shafi resigns from Hathazari Madrasa
As police tried to disperse the protesters, they engaged in clashes.
The agitators attacked the thana compound and Hathazari land office and set fire to a vehicle, forcing the law enforcers to fire teargas shells to bring the situation under control.
As police failed to disperse the protestors despite an hour of their efforts, they fired several rounds of bullets, leaving at least 20 people injured.
Of the injured, three Hefazat activists and a pedestrian were declared dead after they had been taken to Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH).
The dead were indentified as Hathazari Madrasah students Mirazul Islam, Rabiul Islam, Jamil and local resident Abdullah.
Five other injured people were admitted to the hospital in critical condition.
Alauddin Talukder, officer-in-charge of Chattogram Medical College Hospital Police Outpost, said nine people with bullet wounds were taken to the CMCH from Hathazari as of 4:30pm yesterday. “Four of them died while the rest are undergoing treatment.”
Meanwhile, Hefazat-e-Islam has called a dawn-to-dusk countrywide hartal for Sunday protesting police action on their anti-Modi rally in Dhaka, Chattogram and other districts.
Also read: Govt shuts Hathazari Madrasa
The Qawmi madrasa-based organisation will also organise nationwide demonstrations on Saturday, Abdur Rob Eusufi, nayeb-e-ameer of Hefazat, announced the programmes at a press briefing in Purana Paltan on Friday night.
Hefazat chief Junaid Babungari ran a video message in this regard.
BGB troops deployed across country
Members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed at different parts of the country, including the capital, for assisting the civil administration.
Lieutenant Colonel Faizur Rahman, director (operation) of BGB, said BGB troops were deployed on Saturday as per an order of the Home Ministry to assist the civil administration.
Earlier, on Friday, a clash involving Hefazat supporters and police left four people dead and at least 15 others injured at Hathazari in Chattogram on Friday.
Also Read: No shortage of drugs, gold and guns in BGB's February haul; over 200 arrested
The clash took place when police opened fire after a group of protestors attacked Hathazari thana compound and land office, and set fire to a vehicle.
Meanwhile, in Dhaka, at least 50 people, including several journalists, were injured in a clash between Muslim devotees and police in Baitul Mukarram National Mosque area on Friday afternoon.
The clashes broke out when police barred people from bringing out a procession after Jum’a prayers protesting the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.