Published: 10:42 AM, 23 April 2026
Six shot as River Police, criminals exchange 'gunfire'
A gunfight has broken out between the River Police and criminals during a routine patrol on the Padma River at the Haripur border in Kushtia.
One River Police official, four staff members and a boatman suffered bullet injuries in the incident, reports bdnews24.com.
The incident took place on Wednesday around 1:15am in Kushtia Sadar Upazila near the border in Ishwardi Upazila of Pabna, said Sohel Rana, superintendent of Rajshahi River Police. He said, "Our operation team went to the scene after receiving a complaint of illegal sand mining and was attacked. Six people, including five of our policemen, were injured by shotgun fire from the attackers."
The injured policemen are Khandaker Shafiqul Islam, inspector and officer-in-charge of Lakshmikunda River Outpost in Ishwardi, and police members Enamul Haque, Shahinur Haque, Nazmul Hasan and Manik Mia.
The injured boatman has yet to be identified.
Police and locals say a team from the Lakshmikunda River Outpost was on duty in a boat on the Padma River as part of a regular patrol. At one point, when they reached the Haripur area on the Kushtia border, a group of armed criminals who had been waiting in ambush opened fire on them.
The two sides exchanged gunfire from 1:10am to 1:50am, and six members of the patrol team were injured.
Law enforcers believe there were many attackers involved.
Later, with the help of locals, the injured were rescued and taken to Pabna Sadar Hospital.
After receiving first aid there, Enamul was transferred to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH) as his condition was critical.
The remaining victims are undergoing treatment at Pabna Sadar Hospital. Tensions have brewed in the area following the incident.
Pabna Police Superintendent Anwar Zahid said, "The criminals attacked the police while they were patrolling the river. Additional police personnel were deployed in the area immediately after the news was received."
He said multiple police teams have launched operations to identify the attackers and arrest them.
The SP said, "Since the matter involves the River Police, we have informed their senior officers. They are looking into the matter."
River Police Superintendent Sohel Rana said, "Police are investigating whether any force or illegal sand mining gang is behind such a planned and daring attack on the river route."
He also said legal action will be taken over the incident.
