Dhaka: Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB) members opened fire upon instructions from executive magistrates in Teknaf and Mathbaria upazilas during the first phase of UP elections on Tuesday, said BGB Director General (DG) Major General Aziz Ahmed.

The BGB chief came up with the remarks on Thursday while replying to questions from reporters at the inauguration of a mobile-based telecommunication support programme at the BGB headquarters.

Aziz said the BGB members first fired blank shots in their efforts to bring the situation under control.

But, they fired direct gunshots following the instructions of the executive magistrates when they themselves came under attack, he said.

Terming unexpected and unintentional the Teknaf and Mathbaria incidents, the BGB chief said his men just followed the steps needed to the maintain law and order.

Seven people were killed in post-election violence among rival candidates and law-enforcers, including BGB personnel at Shah Porir Dwip in Teknaf upazila of Cox’s Bazar district and in Dhanishapa union of Mathbaria upazila in Pirojpur district on Tuesday after the balloting of the first phase union election.