ASK condemns border killings

Rights organisation Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) has strongly condemned the killing of two Bangladeshi nationals in firing by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) along the Kasba border in Brahmanbaria, describing the incident as a serious violation of human rights.

In a statement issued on Sunday, ASK expressed deep concern over the deaths and said that even in cases involving alleged illegal border crossing, smuggling or other offences, law enforcement agencies must follow due legal procedures.

“Extrajudicial shooting cannot be justified under any circumstances,” the organisation said, adding that the protection of life remains a fundamental principle under international human rights standards.

The incident took place around 11pm on Friday at the Pathariadwar border area under Gopinathpur Union in Kasba upazila, where BSF personnel allegedly opened fire on a group of Bangladeshis, leaving two people dead and several others injured. The deceased were identified as Md Morsalin, 20, and Nibir Hossain, 55.

In a separate statement, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) said around 15 Bangladeshi smugglers, allegedly assisted by Indian counterparts, had entered Indian territory through the Dhajanagar-Pathariadwar area.

According to the BGB, the group came under interception by members of the BSF’s 49 Battalion while returning with smuggled goods.

A confrontation reportedly broke out after the group allegedly attacked BSF personnel, prompting the Indian border force to fire pellets.

BGB said Morsalin and another individual sustained injuries during the incident and were later taken to a hospital in India, where they died while undergoing treatment.

ASK, however, said incidents of irregular border crossings or border law violations occur in many countries, but the use of lethal force is neither normal nor acceptable.

The rights body said killings and injuries caused by firing along the Bangladesh-India border have long remained a major human rights concern despite repeated assurances from Indian authorities to stop such incidents.

Citing its own records, ASK said at least six Bangladeshi citizens were killed in shooting and torture by Indian border forces along the frontier between January and 9 May this year.

The organisation urged the Bangladesh government to raise the issue of border killings with utmost importance during bilateral and diplomatic engagements with India.

It also called on the Indian government to take effective and visible measures to halt the use of lethal weapons along the border, ensure accountability for such incidents, and guarantee conduct consistent with human rights standards.

ASK further appealed to human rights organisations, civil society groups and democratic forces in India to help build constructive dialogue and public pressure to stop what it described as “inhumane and disproportionate” use of force at the border.

“Ending border killings is urgent in the interest of friendly relations between Bangladesh and India, regional stability and humanitarian values,” the statement said.

“The border should never become a place of loss of human life; rather, it should reflect the rule of law, humanity and mutual respect.”