A 30-year-old Bangladeshi youth was reportedly shot dead by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) at the Shamshernagar border area of Jagatber union under Patgram upazila in Lalmonirhat early Thursday.
The deceased was identified as Sabuz Mia, son of Sirajul Islam, a resident of Pachabandar village in the union.
According to local and border sources, the incident occurred opposite Main Pillar 864/5 under Teesta Battalion-61 of the Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB), on the Indian side at a place known as Kenakata. Reports suggest that a group of Bangladeshis had gone to the border area to transport cattle when BSF personnel opened fire on them, leaving Sabuz dead on the spot.
The incident reportedly took place at least 30 yards inside Indian territory, and Sabuz’s body remains there. While others fled, there is no information yet about any additional casualties.
Teesta Battalion-61 BGB commander, however, could not be reached over the phone despite repeated attempts for his comment in this regard.
Patgram Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mizanur Rahman confimred receiving news of the incident but said that the BGB has not yet issued an official statement.
A flag meeting at the company commander level between the BGB and BSF may be held regarding the incident, he added.
Mohsin Islam Shawon/MHK