Smugglers create mob, force BGB to release seized vehicle in Brahmanbaria
According to BGB and local sources, smugglers regularly bring contraband goods through the Kasba border.
Smugglers in Brahmanbaria's Kasba upazila today (3 June) created a mob and forced the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to release a vehicle loaded with contraband goods.
Attempts were also made to attack BGB personnel during the incident, said Lieutenant Colonel SM Shafiul Islam, commanding officer of BGB Battalion-60.
According to BGB and local sources, smugglers regularly bring contraband goods through the Kasba border and store them in warehouses at Nayanpur Bazar in Bayek union before transporting them to different destinations when opportunities arise.
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This afternoon, a group of alleged smugglers attempted to transport contraband goods in a pickup van. Acting on information, BGB personnel intercepted and seized the vehicle.
Following the seizure, the smugglers claimed the goods were legal and pressured BGB members to release the pickup, Shafiul said.
An argument subsequently broke out between the two sides, drawing more people to the scene. The smugglers then allegedly attempted to create a mob in an effort to snatch back the seized vehicle.
As the situation escalated, BGB was ultimately compelled to release the vehicle.
The BGB commander said the smugglers had organised themselves and attempted to take back the seized vehicle by creating a mob.
"The situation had reached a point where firing could have become necessary. However, to avoid bloodshed, we were compelled to release the seized vehicle," he said.
He added that legal action over the incident is underway.
