A Bangladeshi cattle trader was shot dead allegedly by members of Indian Border Security Force along the Bhitorgarh border in Panchagarh early today.
The deceased, identified as Al Amin, 36, of Jinnatpara village in Sadar sub-district, was allegedly trying to smuggle cattle into Bangladesh when he was shot.
Lieutenant Colonel Sheikh Md Bodruddoza, commanding officer of the 56 Border Guard Battalion (BGB) in Nilphamari, told that BSF personnel from Bhatpara camp opened fire at a group of cattle smugglers near pillar no. 744/7-S around 3:00am.
Al Amin was shot and died on the spot, while the others managed to escape unhurt.
Following the incident, BSF personnel took away the body.
Upon receiving the news, Lt Colonel Bodruddoza contacted his BSF counterpart and called a flag meeting regarding the matter.
The BGB strongly protested against the killing and demanded immediate return of Al Amin's body at the flag meeting held between 10:50am and 11:10am this morning.
It also urged BSF to detain any Bangladeshis involved in cross-border crimes and hand them over to BGB instead of using lethal force.
BGB officials assured that legal action would be taken against any Bangladeshis found engaging in cross-border smuggling.
In response, BSF officials claimed their personnel were compelled to open fire after the smugglers allegedly attacked a BSF member and attempted to snatch his weapon.
They assured that Al Amin's body would be returned after completing necessary formalities.
Lt Colonel Sheikh Md Bodruddoza led the Bangladeshi delegation at the meeting, while Commandant Sanjoy of the 46th BSF Battalion represented the Indian side.
FP/MI
Man stabbed dead in Mymensingh
Expatriate voters to cast postal ballots from today
Jatra festival finale returns to Shilpakala
Salaries, allowances to rise significantly in new pay scale
BNP confident in EC’s ability to hold credible polls: Fakhrul
Evaly’s Rassel, Shamima arrested again
Jamaat ameer presents vision for ‘New Bangladesh’
Terrorists kill RAB officer in Chattogram’s Jungle Salimpur
