Home Minister’s remark ‘deeply objectionable’

Convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and Opposition Chief Whip Md Nahid Islam has called for the immediate withdrawal of recent remarks made by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed regarding “border killings,” describing them as “deeply objectionable” and “humiliating.”

In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Nahid said the comments attempt to downplay the issue of cross-border fatalities by narrowly defining “border killings” as only those occurring at the zero line. He argued that such an interpretation undermines the severity of incidents involving civilians near border areas.

Nahid also expressed concern that, even after several days, the home minister has neither withdrawn nor clarified his remarks, while the government has issued no official response. “Therefore, we are compelled to assume that the remarks reflect the government’s position,” he said.

Criticising the stance further, the NCP leader said international legal frameworks, including the United Nations human rights principles and the Geneva Conventions, prohibit excessive or indiscriminate use of force against civilians. He said security forces are bound to use only necessary and proportionate force under international law.

Referring to similar past controversies, Nahid also compared the remarks to those made by former Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen in 2020, saying such positions raise serious concerns about state accountability and foreign policy posture.

Earlier on June 2, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said killings of individuals involved in crime or illegal intrusion within any border force’s jurisdiction cannot be termed as “border killings,” arguing that such cases fall under respective national laws rather than cross-border incidents.

The remarks have since sparked political debate, with opposition leaders demanding clarification and withdrawal.