Saturday, 22 February, 2025
Every year, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and BSF hold high-level meetings to address border tensions. However, India has consistently failed to fulfil its commitments to end these extrajudicial killings.
Bangladesh has repeatedly lodged protests with India over these killings. The caretaker government has toughened its stance, condemning the BSF’s actions and demanding investigations. Foreign Advisor Touhid Hossain acknowledged that such killings have a "negative impact" on Bangladesh-India relations, and the government has formally urged India to ensure accountability.
Reports of killings at the border have raised serious humanitarian concerns, prompting calls for accountability and a reassessment of border policies that have led to the deaths of numerous civilians. On January 7, 2025: BSF allegedly shot and killed a Bangladeshi named Zahur Ali at the Chunarughat border in Habiganj. Earlier, on December 22, 2024: A tea worker, Gopal, was found dead with bullet wounds near the Barlekha border in Moulvibazar. On October 7, 2024: Kamal Hossain, a Bangladeshi youth, was killed by BSF at the Cumilla border. His body was taken away and returned 26 hours late.
The case of Felani Khatun, a 15-year-old girl shot by the BSF while crossing back into Bangladesh in 2011, remains one of the most well-known instances of this brutality. Her family, along with human rights activists, continues to demand justice.
The Bangladesh-India border stretches over 4,000 kilometres, making it one of the longest international borders in the world. This extensive boundary has historically been a point of contention, with issues ranging from illegal immigration to smuggling. However, the most harrowing aspect of this border is the violence that has erupted, often resulting in the deaths of innocent individuals, including women and children. Over the past few years, various human rights organizations have documented numerous incidents where Bangladeshi nationals have been shot or killed by Indian border security forces, often under the pretext of enforcing border laws.
The Border Security Force (BSF) of India has been accused of using excessive force, leading to tragic outcomes. Reports indicate that many of those killed were unarmed civilians, including farmers and labourers, who inadvertently crossed the border while tending to their fields or collecting resources. One of the most alarming aspects of these incidents is the lack of accountability. Families of the victims often find themselves in a bureaucratic maze when seeking justice.
The killing of innocent Bangladeshis at the border is a tragic reminder of the human cost of border enforcement. It calls for immediate attention and action from both governments to prevent further loss of life and to foster a more peaceful coexistence.
The fear of retaliation and the stigma attached to raising their voices against a powerful neighbour further silences the victims' families. As a result, many incidents go unreported or are inadequately investigated, perpetuating a cycle of violence and impunity. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have condemned these actions and called for thorough investigations into the killings. They argue that the use of lethal force against unarmed individuals is a violation of international human rights laws.
Bangladesh has repeatedly lodged protests with India over these killings. The caretaker government has toughened its stance, condemning the BSF’s actions and demanding investigations. Foreign Advisor Touhid Hossain acknowledged that such killings have a "negative impact" on Bangladesh-India relations, and the government has formally urged India to ensure accountability. However, the Indian government has often defended its actions, citing the need to prevent illegal immigration and protect its borders. However, critics argue that such justifications do not warrant the loss of innocent lives.
The impact of these killings extends beyond the immediate tragedy. They exacerbate tensions between Bangladesh and India, two countries that have historically shared complex but often cooperative relations. The loss of life at the border fuels anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh, complicating diplomatic efforts and fostering distrust among the populace. Moreover, the killings have significant psychological effects on border communities. Families live in constant fear of violence, leading to a climate of anxiety and mistrust. Many individuals are reluctant to approach the border for fear of being mistaken for illegal immigrants or smugglers, thus affecting their livelihoods and daily activities.
To address this humanitarian crisis, both governments must engage in constructive dialogue aimed at reforming border security protocols. There is an urgent need for transparent investigations into the killings and for establishing mechanisms that ensure accountability for border security forces. Additionally, enhancing community relations and providing education on border laws can help mitigate misunderstandings that lead to violence.
The killing of innocent Bangladeshis at the border is a tragic reminder of the human cost of border enforcement. It calls for immediate attention and action from both governments to prevent further loss of life and to foster a more peaceful coexistence. Only through dialogue, accountability, and compassion can the cycle of violence be broken, allowing for a future where borders do not divide lives but rather connect communities.
The upcoming Bangladesh-India border talks in New Delhi present a crucial opportunity for both nations to turn a new page in their long-standing border relations. With both sides committed to addressing pressing issues such as border killings, illegal crossings, and trade facilitation, there is hope that this dialogue will foster greater cooperation and trust. The inclusion of high-level officials from key ministries reflects the seriousness of the discussions, while the focus on implementing the Coordinated Border Management Plan signals a joint effort to enhance security and reduce tensions.
If both nations can agree on stricter accountability measures and improved intelligence sharing, these talks could lead to long-term solutions that protect human lives while strengthening diplomatic and economic ties. Optimism remains that this meeting will yield tangible results, ensuring a safer, more cooperative future for communities living along the border.
Comments
Every year, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and BSF hold high-level meetings to address border tensions. However, India has consistently failed to fulfil its commitments to end these extrajudicial killings.
Bangladesh has repeatedly lodged protests with India over these killings. The caretaker government has toughened its stance, condemning the BSF’s actions and demanding investigations. Foreign Advisor Touhid Hossain acknowledged that such killings have a "negative impact" on Bangladesh-India relations, and the government has formally urged India to ensure accountability.
Reports of killings at the border have raised serious humanitarian concerns, prompting calls for accountability and a reassessment of border policies that have led to the deaths of numerous civilians. On January 7, 2025: BSF allegedly shot and killed a Bangladeshi named Zahur Ali at the Chunarughat border in Habiganj. Earlier, on December 22, 2024: A tea worker, Gopal, was found dead with bullet wounds near the Barlekha border in Moulvibazar. On October 7, 2024: Kamal Hossain, a Bangladeshi youth, was killed by BSF at the Cumilla border. His body was taken away and returned 26 hours late.
The case of Felani Khatun, a 15-year-old girl shot by the BSF while crossing back into Bangladesh in 2011, remains one of the most well-known instances of this brutality. Her family, along with human rights activists, continues to demand justice.
The Bangladesh-India border stretches over 4,000 kilometres, making it one of the longest international borders in the world. This extensive boundary has historically been a point of contention, with issues ranging from illegal immigration to smuggling. However, the most harrowing aspect of this border is the violence that has erupted, often resulting in the deaths of innocent individuals, including women and children. Over the past few years, various human rights organizations have documented numerous incidents where Bangladeshi nationals have been shot or killed by Indian border security forces, often under the pretext of enforcing border laws.
The Border Security Force (BSF) of India has been accused of using excessive force, leading to tragic outcomes. Reports indicate that many of those killed were unarmed civilians, including farmers and labourers, who inadvertently crossed the border while tending to their fields or collecting resources. One of the most alarming aspects of these incidents is the lack of accountability. Families of the victims often find themselves in a bureaucratic maze when seeking justice.
The killing of innocent Bangladeshis at the border is a tragic reminder of the human cost of border enforcement. It calls for immediate attention and action from both governments to prevent further loss of life and to foster a more peaceful coexistence.
The fear of retaliation and the stigma attached to raising their voices against a powerful neighbour further silences the victims' families. As a result, many incidents go unreported or are inadequately investigated, perpetuating a cycle of violence and impunity. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have condemned these actions and called for thorough investigations into the killings. They argue that the use of lethal force against unarmed individuals is a violation of international human rights laws.
Bangladesh has repeatedly lodged protests with India over these killings. The caretaker government has toughened its stance, condemning the BSF’s actions and demanding investigations. Foreign Advisor Touhid Hossain acknowledged that such killings have a "negative impact" on Bangladesh-India relations, and the government has formally urged India to ensure accountability. However, the Indian government has often defended its actions, citing the need to prevent illegal immigration and protect its borders. However, critics argue that such justifications do not warrant the loss of innocent lives.
The impact of these killings extends beyond the immediate tragedy. They exacerbate tensions between Bangladesh and India, two countries that have historically shared complex but often cooperative relations. The loss of life at the border fuels anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh, complicating diplomatic efforts and fostering distrust among the populace. Moreover, the killings have significant psychological effects on border communities. Families live in constant fear of violence, leading to a climate of anxiety and mistrust. Many individuals are reluctant to approach the border for fear of being mistaken for illegal immigrants or smugglers, thus affecting their livelihoods and daily activities.
To address this humanitarian crisis, both governments must engage in constructive dialogue aimed at reforming border security protocols. There is an urgent need for transparent investigations into the killings and for establishing mechanisms that ensure accountability for border security forces. Additionally, enhancing community relations and providing education on border laws can help mitigate misunderstandings that lead to violence.
The killing of innocent Bangladeshis at the border is a tragic reminder of the human cost of border enforcement. It calls for immediate attention and action from both governments to prevent further loss of life and to foster a more peaceful coexistence. Only through dialogue, accountability, and compassion can the cycle of violence be broken, allowing for a future where borders do not divide lives but rather connect communities.
The upcoming Bangladesh-India border talks in New Delhi present a crucial opportunity for both nations to turn a new page in their long-standing border relations. With both sides committed to addressing pressing issues such as border killings, illegal crossings, and trade facilitation, there is hope that this dialogue will foster greater cooperation and trust. The inclusion of high-level officials from key ministries reflects the seriousness of the discussions, while the focus on implementing the Coordinated Border Management Plan signals a joint effort to enhance security and reduce tensions.
If both nations can agree on stricter accountability measures and improved intelligence sharing, these talks could lead to long-term solutions that protect human lives while strengthening diplomatic and economic ties. Optimism remains that this meeting will yield tangible results, ensuring a safer, more cooperative future for communities living along the border.
Comments
