Bangladeshi youth killed in BSF shooting along Kulaura border

A Bangladeshi young man was shot dead by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) after he allegedly crossed into Indian territory along the Kulaura border in Moulvibazar.

The incident took place on Saturday night in the Maguruli area of India, near the Muraichhara border in Prithimpasha union of Kulaura upazila. The area falls under the jurisdiction of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) 46 Battalion.

The deceased was identified as Mohammad Tara Mia, 20, son of Abdul Malek of Muraichhara village in Kulaura’s Karmada union.

According to BGB sources, Tara Mia and four to five other Bangladeshi youths had illegally entered India when a BSF patrol attempted to stop them. An altercation reportedly followed, after which the BSF opened fire, killing Tara Mia at the scene. The others fled back to Bangladesh and went into hiding, the sources said.

BGB 46 Battalion Commander Lt Col Sarker Asif Mahmud confirmed the incident early Sunday (August 9).

He said BGB contacted the relevant BSF officials immediately after hearing gunshots and was informed that a Bangladeshi youth had been killed in the firing.

The two border forces are expected to hold a flag meeting to determine the next course of action, the BGB commander said.

He also alleged that Tara Mia had been involved in cross-border smuggling for a long time and had a case filed against him with Kulaura Police Station.