Authorities deploy BGB nationwide as opposition blockade began

Authorities overnight called out paramilitary Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to intensify security particularly of highways as a 72-hour nationwide blockade called by BNP and its far right allies began.

“BGB has been deployed all over the country to ensure security vigil and particularly to secure highways and railways for undisrupted transport movements,” a BGB spokesman told newsmen.

BGB Public Relations Officer M Shariful Islam said the paramilitary forces were asked to keep an extra vigil so the goods carrying transports were not exposed to any hindrance.

The BGB personnel along with other law enforcing agencies like RAB, Police, Ansar and intelligence forces were seen patrolling the different roads of capital including Dhanmondi, Paltan, Gulistan and Motijheel, Dhaka Secretariat and surrounding areas since Monday night.

The BGB deployment came as Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal yesterday reviewed the security situation with senior officials of police and other law enforcement and security agencies ahead of the blockade.

“They (law enforcement agencies) were asked to be on high alert against any attempted sabotage or violence,” an official familiar with the “core committee” meeting of law and order affairs. (BSS)