Staff Reporter :
The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has warned that border killings are not a solution and that strict measures will be adopted if further incidents of killings continue along the borders.
“Regardless of border crossings or any other incidents, killings are not a final solution. If another such incident occurs, we will take a stricter stance.
We are making efforts to prevent illegal crossings into India,” BGB Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddique stated on Saturday.
Speaking to journalists at the Cox’s Bazar BGB Battalion training ground after officially inaugurating four new units, including the newly formed Ukhiya Battalion (64 BGB), he made these remarks.
The event was also attended by Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury.
Describing border killings as unacceptable under any circumstances, he stated that when Indian infiltrators are apprehended, they are handed over with due respect.
“If such incidents continue, BGB may have to reconsider its approach,” he warned.
He emphasised, “We will continue protesting these incidents. If even one more killing occurs, we will take an even stricter position.”
On Friday evening, a 32-year-old Bangladeshi citizen, Al-Amin, was shot dead by the BSF at the Kasba border in the Brahmanbaria district.
Kasba Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mohammad Samiul Islam reported that Al-Amin was spotted near the barbed wire fence at the Putia border on Friday night.
Suspecting him to be a smuggler, the BSF opened fire, critically injuring him. Later, the BSF took him to Bishalgarh Sub-Divisional Hospital in India, where he succumbed to his injuries the same night.
“Such an incident is unacceptable following the recently concluded BGB-BSF meeting in Delhi. We are making every effort to prevent illegal infiltration.”
He reiterated that diplomatic efforts are ongoing to resolve the issue and that Bangladesh will remain firm in preventing border killings.
“We have always maintained that illegal border crossings should be handled legally, not through killings. If these incidents persist, we will intensify our protests and enforce stricter border management measures,” he added.
When asked about discussions on border killings during the recent BGB-BSF Director General-level conference in New Delhi, the BGB chief confirmed that the issue was a top priority.
