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TL;DR
- Following Sheikh Hasina’s resignation, criminals are fleeing Bangladesh to India, allegedly with customs officials’ help.
- On August 23, a customs superintendent was caught on CCTV aiding an escape through a closed gate.
- Irregularities at immigration customs are exacerbated by foreigners’ presence and lack of oversight.
- Three individuals, including a Chhatra League leader, were arrested for attempting to flee to India.
Following the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024, amid student-led protests, Bangladesh faces a surge in attempts by criminals to flee to India, allegedly aided by corrupt customs officials. The government has imposed a foreign travel ban on implicated political leaders and officials, while the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has intensified border security.
Despite these measures, several individuals have reportedly crossed into India with the help of dishonest customs officials. On August 23, Customs Superintendent Shibli Noman and Kamrunnahar allegedly facilitated the escape of Tanjid Naushad Pallab, general secretary of the Jessore District Chhatra League, by opening a closed customs gate. This incident was captured on CCTV, leading to Pallab’s detention by the BGB.
Concerns are heightened by the presence of foreigners at immigration customs, suggesting further irregularities. Customs worker Anima reportedly allowed five individuals, including a Chhatra League secretary, to enter through a closed gate, prompting an investigation by senior officials. The gate has since been permanently closed.
Local businessman Kamal Hossain criticized the lack of oversight at immigration gates, allowing unchecked crossings into India. BGB Captain Saifullah Siddiqui assured that security measures have been strengthened to prevent escapes.
Rubel Hossain, from the Sharsha Upazila Anti-Corruption Prevention Committee, called for legal action against corrupt officials, stating, “Some dishonest officials of customs are helping criminals to escape to India and are grabbing huge sums of money.”
Recently, three individuals were arrested for attempting to flee: Tanjid Naushad Pallab, Sajib Halder, president of the Dhaka Nawabganj Thana Chhatra League, and Shawon Ghosh, a BGB member who traveled to India without leave. This situation highlights ongoing governance challenges in Bangladesh following Hasina’s resignation.
Source: Somoy TV
