Bangladeshi shot dead by BSF

Indian Border Security Force shot dead a Bangladeshi man near the border in the Bhitorgarh area of Panchagarh early yesterday, Border Guard Bangladesh officers said.

Al Amin, 36, was a resident of Haribhasha Jinnatpara village in Panchagarh Sadar.

BGB Commanding Officer Sheikh Bodruddoza told this correspondent that Indian border security personnel had informed that they opened fire on a group of men who were trying to smuggle some cattle into Bangladesh from India around 3:00am.

Al Amin died on the spot, while the others managed to escape unhurt.

Upon receiving the news, Lt Col Bodruddoza contacted BSF and a flag meeting was held between the two border forces around 10:50am.

During the meeting, the BGB strongly protested the killing and demanded the return of Al Amin's body. The BGB also urged its Indian counterpart to detain any Bangladeshis involved in cross-border crimes and hand them over to the BGB instead of using lethal force.

The BGB assured that appropriate legal action would be taken against any Bangladeshis involved in such activities.

The BSF side stated that their personnel were compelled to open fire after "the smugglers attacked a BSF member and tried to snatch his weapon", Bodruddoza said.

The BSF assured that Al Amin's body would be returned to Bangladesh after completing the necessary formalities, he added.