Summary:
- BGB Director General Maj Gen Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui warned of stricter measures if BSF border killings of Bangladeshis continue, emphasizing that such incidents are unacceptable.
- The warning followed the shooting of Al Amin, a Bangladeshi man, by BSF at the Putia border in Brahmanbaria, allegedly on suspicion of smuggling.
- Maj Gen Siddiqui stated that these killings often occur inside Indian territory, and Bangladesh has strongly protested to India over the issue.
- A flag meeting between BGB and BSF is planned to recover Al Amin’s body, as efforts to prevent illegal crossings continue.
Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, Director General of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), has issued a stern warning regarding continued border killings of Bangladeshis by India’s Border Security Force (BSF). Speaking at the inauguration of the newly formed Ukhiya Battalion of the BGB in Cox’s Bazar this morning, Maj Gen Siddiqui stated that Bangladesh may adopt even stricter measures if such incidents persist.
The BGB chief emphasized that preventing border killings remains a top priority for the paramilitary force. He underscored that killing people over alleged trespassing or other reasons is not a viable solution. “If these incidents continue, the process of repatriating Indian intruders in line with the laws will become more difficult,” he warned, according to a report by Jamuna Television.
Maj Gen Siddiqui also highlighted that these killings often occur inside Indian territory beyond the zero line, and BGB is actively working to prevent Bangladeshis from crossing into Indian territory. He confirmed that Bangladesh has lodged strong protests with India over these incidents.
The remarks came in the wake of a recent fatal shooting at the Putia border in Brahmanbaria’s Kasba upazila. On the evening of February 28, Al Amin, a 32-year-old resident of Dakkhin Putia village, was shot by BSF personnel while reportedly roaming near the barbed-wire fence. According to Kasba Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mohammad Samiul Islam, BSF suspected Al Amin to be a smuggler and fired at him during their patrol.
“Al Amin sustained severe injuries and was taken inside Indian territory by BSF personnel. He succumbed to his injuries around 9 p.m.,” Samiul said. A flag meeting between BGB and BSF is planned to facilitate the return of Al Amin’s body.
Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury was also present at the event in Cox’s Bazar, where Maj Gen Siddiqui reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to addressing border security issues through dialogue and enforcement measures.
Border killings have long been a contentious issue between Bangladesh and India, with human rights groups frequently raising concerns over excessive use of force by BSF. Despite repeated bilateral discussions, incidents continue to strain relations between the two neighboring countries.
