Concern of Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK)

Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) expresses deep concern over the death of another citizen of Bangladesh by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF).

From different newspaper sources we came to know that Manoranjan Mandol was shot dead by BSF at Jawrani border in Hatibandha upazila of Lalmonirhat. The incident took place on 23 March at night.

We are observing that BSF is not stopping killings at border area in spite of the commitments made by them several times with grave concern. Before this incident, on 11 March 2010 at BDR-BSF Director Generals’meeting, BSF assured of no more shooting at the civilians in the border areas. They also affirmed that they will not enter into the disputed territory. But just after this assurance, nineteen Bangladeshis were injured from BSF firing at Jaintapur border in Sylhet on 14 March 2010. The number of death of Bangladesh nationals is also a matter of great concern. In a question-answer session in the National Assembly on 14 March 2010, the Home Minister informed that 19 Bangladesh citizens were shot dead from BSF firing during the first two and half months of this year. On the other hand, according to ASK Documentation Unit, from January to 16 March of this year the number of Bangladesh nationals killed by BSF stands at 21.

We expect more responsible behavior from BSF in this regard. We hope there will be no inconsistency between their promises and deeds. Moreover, we demand the Government of Bangladesh to take strong and effective diplomatic initiatives regarding this matter.