10 Bangladeshi farmers were injured as they were shot by Indian Border Security Force (BSF) at the Rajshahi border. Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) seriously condemns and expresses grave concern over the incident.

According to the media reports, the incident took place on 2 September 2019 at around 11 o’clock in the morning. All the injured persons are residents of Char Khidirpur. BGB confirmed the news of the attack and told that rubber bullets were fired from shotgun against the villagers. On the other hand, according to BSF’s statement, three–to-four Bangladeshi farmers entered India crossing the Bangladesh border while cutting grass. When BSF challenged them, they threw choppers at them. Then they fled to their village. Later they organised to make an attempt to attack the BSF. BSF said they had shot rubber bullets for self-defense and to disperse the villagers. However, the wounded farmers claimed that they were working on the field within the Bangladesh border. At that time, BSF members came on a truck and suddenly opened fire on them.

ASK thinks Bangladesh should seek an explanation from the Indian authority. We often observe different unexpected behaviors from Indian border forces. Multiple Bangladeshi citizens have lost their lives by their bullets and many have become victims of torture. Media reports revealed that during the last eight months, 23 Bangladeshi citizens have been killed by BSF’s bullets. We believe it is extremely important to arrange an effective dialogue between Bangladesh and Indian authorities.

Press Statement (3.9.19)