14 killed at frontier by BSF in 2013: BGB

BGB chief Maj Gen Aziz Ahmed. Photo: BGB

The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) shot dead 14 and injured 31 Bangladeshi citizens in the first six months of this year, according to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).

None of these casualties took place within Bangladeshi border between January 1 and June 20, BGB chief Maj Gen Aziz Ahmed said at a press briefing at the force's headquarters in the capital.

BGB has also rescued 255 women and 75 children from trafficking during the same time period, he further said.

The BGB has protested against the killings, the BGB chief said.

“Due to our continuous pressure, BSF has suspended three of its personnel in connection with these killings.”

They BSF has also agreed for the use of non-lethal weapons while dealing with trespassing of Bangladeshi citizens, added the BGB director general.

FELANI KILLING

In an official flag meeting back in March, Maj Gen Aziz requested the BSF authorities to conduct an investigation into the killing of Felani on the border.

As per the request, BSF has opened an internal investigation into the matter, the BGB chief informed.

A three-member delegation comprising a lawyer and two eye-witnesses would be present before the probe committee in India seeking justice within July 15-20, he added.

BORDER SECURITY

Over 500 kilometres of border areas are still insecure due to disputes, said the BGB chief.

As a counter-measure, the government has proposed a 935km-long ring road from Nildumur to Panchagarh construction of which is scheduled to begin in the next fiscal, he added.

ROHINGYA ISSUE

The BGB chief emphasised the need to improve relationship with Myanmar’s border security force, Nasaka, keeping in mind the Rohingya issue.

“Total 2,868 Rohingyas have been captured by BGB in since January 1, 2013, of whom 2,857 have been pushed back into Myanmar,” he said.

The remaining 11 were sent to law enforcers on charge of smuggling,” he added.

BDR MUTINY

Terming the mutiny by the members of Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), which was renamed BGB later, as a "black chapter" in the history of Bangladesh, Maj Aziz said measures have been taken to avoid recurrence of such incidents.

Soldiers are enjoying better housing and medical compensations, he added.

Relationship between the soldiers and the officers is now better than before, he further said.

BGB REFORM

The government has plans to develop the new-look BGB into a more efficient unit, the BGB chief said.

Four new regions, as many sectors, four regional intelligence units and 11 new battalions would soon be introduced for the border force, he added.