Bangladeshi killed in BSF firing along Moulvibazar border

A Bangladeshi national was shot dead by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) along the Dattagram border in Moulvibazar’s Kulaura upazila this evening (12 June), according to Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).

The deceased was identified as Mujibur Rahman, son of the late Ajib Ullah and a resident of Dattagram village under Sharifpur union.

The incident occurred in the Nishchintapur area near the border at around 6:30pm, confirmed Lieutenant Colonel Sarkar Asif Mahmud, commanding officer of BGB’s 46 Battalion.

Kulaura Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Zahirul Islam said police had been dispatched to the area after receiving reports of the shooting.

According to local sources and BGB officials, the Monu River marks part of the border between Bangladesh and India in the Dattagram area. At the time of the incident, Mujibur along with four other Bangladeshis allegedly crossed the river and entered Indian territory through the area between border pillars 1852 and 1853.

A BSF patrol team reportedly intercepted the group and opened fire. Mujibur was killed on the spot, while the others managed to flee.

Sharifpur Union Parishad Ward-9 member Zainul Islam said Mujibur was allegedly involved in smuggling.

Sharifpur Union Parishad acting chairman Nipa Rani Das said she learned that BSF personnel shot Mujibur near the bank of the Monu River in the afternoon.

Lieutenant Colonel Sarkar Asif said the BSF had taken the body to a local Indian hospital morgue for a post-mortem and informed BGB that the body would be handed over after completion of legal procedures.

According to the BGB, the force contacted relevant BSF officials after hearing gunfire from across the border and was subsequently informed about the incident.