BGB deploys ‘rapid action team’ in Dhaka to beef up security amid blockade

Police and RAB personnel have also been deployed across the city and are patrolling various locations

Border Guard Bangladesh has deployed its ‘rapid action team’ in Dhaka to ensure security amid a three-day nationwide blockade called by the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami.

The RAT began patrolling the capital in the early hours of Tuesday.

Apart from this team, BGB personnel have also been deployed in various locations across the country, said BGB Public Relations Officer Shariful Islam.

Shariful said that although 11 platoons (each with 30 personnel) of the BGB were deployed during the recent strike, it was later increased to 22 platoons.

"Based on the current blockade situation, BGB members are being deployed wherever required.”

Major Abrar Al Mehbub is leading the RAT team. The team is working in the field with a focus on the blockade, Abrar said.

This is the first time that this team has hit the streets. The team is comprised of 40 people, according to Abrar.

Pointing out that the specially trained team can deal with any situation, Abrar said they are currently only patrolling the capital to assist the local administration.

However, the team had not faced any direct confrontations as of 10 am, he said.

In addition to the BGB, police and RAB personnel have also been deployed in the city. They are patrolling various locations.

RAB has stated that they have deployed over 300 teams across the country.

Both RAB and police have said that, apart from uniformed personnel, many are working undercover. Detectives are also working in the field.

Cyber monitoring is also taking place, the security forces said.