The Border Guard Bangladesh detained the Jessore district Chhatra League general secretary at the Benapole checkpost while he was attempting to flee to India on Friday morning.

Tanzib Nowshad Pallab, 35, attempted to cross into India using a passport and visa at around 9:30am. During a routine check by the BGB, he admitted his identity as the general secretary of the Jessore unit of the Chhatra League.

Mizanur Rahman, commander of the Benapole BGB Company, said the agency had received confidential information that the Chhatra League leader was planning to flee to India via this route.

“Based on this tip-off, BGB personnel at the Benapole ICP camp were on high alert. When he approached immigration to get an exit stamp on his passport, he was brought to the ICP camp for questioning, where he confirmed his identity. He was subsequently detained. Legal action will be taken pending further decisions from higher authorities.”

Azharul Islam, officer-in-charge of Benapole checkpost immigration police, said immigration officers, as well as intelligence agencies, were interrogating all passport holders travelling to India through the Benapole checkpost.

Special attention was being given to ensure that no MPs, ministers or leaders from the previous Awami League government escaped, he added.