Two BGB men injured in smugglers’ attack

Two members of Border Guard Bangladesh were injured after a gang of drug smugglers attacked them along the Nazirgumani border in Lalmonirhat's Patgram upazila early today.

The injured are Sepoy Md Moniruzzaman, 29, and Sepoy Anup Kumar, 29, both stationed at Nazirgumani Border Outpost (BOP) under 61 BGB Battalion.

Hasan Shahriar Shovon, the on-duty medical officer at Patgram Upazila Health Complex, said that both were admitted to the upazila health complex and are currently out of danger after receiving treatment.

The incident occurred near sub-pillar 3-S of main pillar 868 at Jagatber union around 1:00am, said Nazirgumani BOP Camp Commander Nayek Subedar Hasibur Rahman.

Speaking to reporters, Sepoy Moniruzzaman said, "While patrolling the border, our six-member team received information about a possible drug smuggling attempt in Nazirgumani border area. As we increased vigilance there, a group of 12 to 15 smugglers began shouting to attract locals and then attacked us with bamboo sticks. Both Anup and I were injured."

He added, "The attackers are known smugglers involved in various criminal activities along the border."

Rafiqul Alam, 56, a resident of Nazirgumani village, said, "I heard shouting during the night but didn't go outside. It's common for smugglers to create panic as a diversion while smuggling drugs or contraband through another route."

The Nazirgumani BOP Camp Commander also said he filed a case against five named and 8-10 unidentified people with Patgram Police Station this afternoon in this connection.

Swapan Kumar Sarkar, officer-in-charge (OC) of Patgram Police Station, told the Daily Star that police are conducting a drive to arrest the accused.