Over 50 AL men fled country via Jashore border, paying hefty prices

Since the ouster of the Awami League government on 5 August, its top leaders and activists have been scrambling to flee the country, with several apprehended while attempting to escape by land or air, and many others succeeding via the Jashore border.

 According to local sources, both official and unofficial, Jashore's Sharsha upazila — home to the country's largest land port Benapole and also notorious for illegal crossing routes to India — has become a key escape route for over 50 AL politicians, including MPs and ministers.

 These individuals crossed the border either illegally through links with local smuggling syndicates or corrupt officials at Benapole Immigration, paying a hefty price for their escape. 

 Sharsha's Putkhali, Sadipur and Ghiba routes, infamous for illegal crossings, saw the highest traffic recently. Sharsha's unguarded 30-km stretch of forested border made these crossings easier, aided by local syndicates. 

The Business Standard has spoken to two members of a syndicate involved in human trafficking through the Ghiba route. 

On condition of anonymity, they stated that MPs and ministers are charged Tk10 lakh, while others pay between Tk2 lakh and Tk5 lakh. 

They also mentioned that upon arriving in India, these individuals have been staying in Kolkata and other regions, renting hotels and flats.

 The Business Standard has reached out to several officials at the Benapole port, but many declined to comment on the record due to concerns about being implicated in unintended crimes. 

Rubel Hossain, a member of the Sharsha upazila branch of the Corruption Prevention Committee, told TBS, "Some dishonest customs officials are aiding AL men in their escape to India and making hefty profits. Legal action should be taken against them upon investigation."

However, the local authorities, including Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and police, have denied any human trafficking incidents, asserting that patrols have been strengthened along the border.

Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and left for India on 5 August in the face of a student-led mass uprising. 

On the condition of anonymity, members of a border crossing syndicate told TBS MPs and ministers are charged Tk10 lakh, while others between Tk2 lakh and Tk5 lakh for escape to India

 Since then, cases have been filed against AL-affiliated MPs, ministers and government officials over various irregularities, corruption, and abuse of power, resulting in bans on their foreign travel. 

Despite these measures, many have successfully escaped from the country, evading the current administration's oversight.     

Illegal crossings now safe exit routes?

With many being apprehended while attempting to enter India through the Benapole checkpost, illegal crossings have turned out to be a safer exit route, sources say.  

For some time, the Putkhali border near the Benapole Port Police Station has been a favoured route for human trafficking and illegal crossings into India. 

Another busy smuggling route is the Ghiba route.

As surveillance by law enforcement has increased on these two routes, the Sadipur route near Petrapole has emerged as an alternative.

The river separates the border in all three areas, allowing access to sparsely populated regions by crossing the waterways. The weak mobile network hinders law enforcement's ability to conduct quick raids.

Currently, trafficking syndicate members are assisting Awami League leaders in crossing the border via these routes. Initially helping one or two based on personal connections, this has now evolved into a significant source of income.

Who crossed the border through Jashore?

Between 5 and 15 September, many Awami League leaders and various officials from the former government reportedly entered India either via Benapole or illegal routes.

Among them was Biplab Kumar Sarkar, former joint commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, known for his high-handedness and oppression of opposition leaders and activists. An immigration police officer, on condition of anonymity, told TBS that he crossed into India illegally via this border route.

Sheikh Afil Uddin, who served four consecutive terms as member of parliament for Sharsha, is alleged to have had his goons controlling smuggling operations along the Sharsha border.

Ashraful Alam Liton, former mayor of Benapole municipality, told TBS that Sheikh Afil Uddin also crossed the border with help from his smuggling syndicate.

Meanwhile, a central Awami League leader and former Khulna MP SM Kamal also went to India with Sheikh Afil's assistance.

Faridur Rahman Khan, known as Iran, a close friend of former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Kamal and a councillor at Dhaka North City Corporation, also made the journey in a similar manner.

Jashore District Awami League General Secretary Shaheen Chakladar crossed into India through the Putkhali border.

Other individuals who fled to India via the Ghiba border include former MP (Manirampur-5) Swapan Bhattacharjee, MP Ranjit Roy (Jessore-4), Vice Chairman of Jashore Sadar Upazila Parishad Anwar Hossain Bipul, Chairman of Narendrapur Union Parishad Raju Ahmed, Chairman of Jashore District Council Saifuzzaman Pikul, and local Chhatra League leader Akul Hossain.

Immigration seal and signature forgery

According to border crossing syndicate insiders, most of these AL-affiliated people fleeing to India possess passports and visas. 

However, they are crossing the border illegally out of fear of being caught if they present their passports at immigration. With local assistance, they are forging immigration seals and signatures on their passports. 

Meanwhile, those without passports or visas are reportedly staying in various houses and flats in and around Kolkata.

What local authorities say

During a visit to Benapole Immigration, police, NSI (National Intelligence Agency), and DGFI (Directorate General of Defense Intelligence) personnel were seen interrogating suspected passport holders. 

However, there has been a notable lack of police patrols in the border area recently.

On 23 August, Customs Superintendent Shibli Noman and Kamrunnahar allegedly assisted Jashore District Chhatra League General Secretary Tanjib Naushad Pallab in escaping to India by opening a closed customs gate. 

However, he was detained by the BGB during the escape attempt. Yet no disciplinary action has been taken against anyone involved in this incident.

Benapole Checkpost Customs House Superintendent Moklesur Rahman told TBS that senior customs officials are investigating the matter. Since the incident, the gate has been completely secured.

Benapole BGB Captain Saifullah Siddiqui said, "Security has been strengthened to prevent criminals from escaping to India. BGB remains vigilant in ensuring that no criminals can use the border route or immigration to flee.