A Bangladeshi national, Anwar Hossain, 36, was shot dead by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) near the Panchagarh border early on Friday (December 6).

The incident occurred at dawn near the border area of Mominpara in Haribhanga Union of Panchagarh Sadar Upazila, close to main pillar 751 and its 8/9 sub-pillars. Anwar, a resident of Debnagar in Tetulia Upazila, was the son of Rafiqul Islam.

According to the 56th Battalion of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Anwar and a group of cattle traders had crossed into India on Thursday night to bring back cows. While returning with cattle early in the morning, members of the BSF's Chanakia Camp under the 93rd Battalion opened fire, killing Anwar on the spot. BSF later took away his body along with two cows. The others managed to flee back to Bangladesh.

BSF claimed they fired in self-defense after being attacked with machetes and bamboo sticks by the group, BGB said.

Lieutenant Colonel Sheikh Mohammad Badruddoza, commander of the BGB’s 56th Battalion, confirmed the matter. 

He said efforts are underway to bring back Anwar’s body through a flag meeting with BSF, and a strong protest will be lodged over the killing.

BDST: 1645 HRS, DEC 06, 2024
MSK