An armed confrontation during an anti–illegal sand extraction operation in the Padma River left five members of the river police injured, including an inspector, according to police and local sources.
The incident occurred on Tuesday night in the river area adjacent to Haripur under Kushtia Sadar Upazila, near the boundary of Ishwardi Upazila in Pabna district. Officers from the Lakshmikunda river police outpost had been deployed after receiving intelligence reports that illegal sand extraction was being carried out using excavators.
Police said the team arrived at the site at around 10:30 pm local time to carry out an operation. Shortly after their arrival, they came under sudden gunfire from armed individuals reportedly involved in the sand extraction activities. The attackers are said to have used shotguns, prompting the police to respond with return fire. A brief exchange of gunfire ensued.
Five police personnel sustained injuries in the incident. They are Inspector Khondaker Shafiqul Islam, and constables Enamul Haque, Shahinur Haque, Nazmul Hasan, and Manik Mia, all serving at the Lakshmikunda river police outpost.
| Name | Rank | Condition | Treatment facility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Khondaker Shafiqul Islam | Inspector | Injured | Pabna General Hospital |
| Enamul Haque | Constable | Critically injured (gunshot wounds) | Rajshahi Medical College Hospital |
| Shahinur Haque | Constable | Injured | Pabna General Hospital |
| Nazmul Hasan | Constable | Injured | Pabna General Hospital |
| Manik Mia | Constable | Injured | Pabna General Hospital |
Following the clash, the injured officers were first taken to Pabna General Hospital for emergency treatment. Due to the seriousness of his condition, Constable Enamul Haque was later transferred to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, where he is receiving specialised medical care. Hospital sources indicated that he sustained injuries to his eye as well as other parts of his body.
The police superintendent of the Rajshahi region confirmed the incident to the media and stated that legal action was being initiated in connection with the attack. He also confirmed that one officer remained under treatment at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital.
In response to the incident, additional police forces were deployed in the surrounding area. Authorities have launched an investigation, and operations are ongoing to identify and arrest those involved.
Illegal sand extraction along riverbanks, particularly in major waterways such as the Padma River, has repeatedly prompted enforcement drives by law enforcement agencies due to its environmental impact and frequent association with organised groups operating heavy machinery.