A Bangladeshi cattle smuggler was killed by gunfire from the Indian Border Security Force (BSF).
The deceased’s name is Shafiqul Islam. He was the son of Kitab Ali from Uttar Bhangarpara, a border village in Dowarabazar upazila of Sunamganj district in Sylhet.
Around 2:45 AM on Friday night, Shafiqul succumbed to his injuries while under treatment at Dowarabazar Upazila Health Complex.
On Saturday, the media cell of 28 BGB Sunamganj of BGB Sylhet Sector confirmed the matter.
They informed that after midnight on Friday, Shafiqul along with 10 to 12 other Bangladeshi smugglers illegally entered Meghalaya state of India across from Baganbari BOP’s Bhangarpara area of Dowarabazar battalion to bring a consignment of cattle (cows) to this side.
While returning with the consignment of cattle, when the Indian Border Security Force obstructed them, the members of the smuggler gang threw bricks and stones at the BSF.
The patrolling party of Betgara BSF camp under Shillong 193 BSF Battalion first threw 4 to 5 rounds of non-lethal sound grenades in self-defense. Even then, as the members of the smuggler gang did not stop, the BSF fired 3 to 4 rounds from rifles.
Injured by BSF bullets, Shafiqul was taken back into Bangladesh by others who were with him.
Later, on Friday night, Shafiqul’s accomplices and family members took him to Dowarabazar Upazila Health Complex for treatment. When he died under treatment at the health complex, the other cattle smugglers who were with him went into hiding from the health complex.
On Saturday noon, Dowarabazar Police Station OC Md. Zahidul Haque said that the body of deceased Shafiqul was sent to the district hospital morgue on Saturday morning.
Lt. Colonel A K M Zakaria Kadir, Commanding Officer (CO BGB) of 28 BGB Sunamganj of BGB Sylhet Sector said that a protest note at the level of BSF Battalion Commander has been sent regarding the incident of the Bangladeshi citizen killed by BSF firing.
Besides, he also said that the actual reason behind being killed by BSF firing would be investigated by responsible authorities to uncover information, identify the smugglers and take legal action against them.
