Felani’s brother joins BGB

Arfan Hossain, the younger brother of Felani Khatun—whose death at the hands of India’s Border Security Force (BSF) in 2011 shocked the nation—has officially joined the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).

Arfan received his appointment letter on Wednesday from Lieutenant Colonel Mehedi Imam, commander of the Lalmonirhat 15 BGB Battalion, after successfully passing the recruitment exam held earlier on February 23.

Felani Khatun, a 15-year-old Bangladeshi girl, was shot and killed by BSF while attempting to cross the India-Bangladesh border. Her body was left hanging on the barbed wire fence—an image that drew widespread international condemnation and renewed calls for justice and reform in border security operations.

More than a decade later, Felani’s family finds a moment of pride and hope in Arfan’s achievement.

“Our parents always dreamed of serving the country. Since Felani’s death, we wanted to join BGB,” said Arfan. “Today that dream has come true. I’m thankful to BGB for giving me this opportunity.”

Arfan, an HSC graduate from South Ramkhana Colonitary village in Kurigram’s Nageshwari upazila, comes from a modest background. His father, Nur Islam, is a day labourer, and his mother, Jahanara Begum, is a homemaker. His siblings include two brothers currently studying and two married sisters.

Felani’s father expressed both grief and gratitude. “I still can’t forget how my underage daughter was shot and left hanging like a bird on the barbed wire. But the people of this country and BGB stood by us,” he said. “Today, my son earned his place in BGB through merit. This is a proud moment for our family.”

BGB officials said Arfan will begin training on September 19.

“We believe he will serve the nation with dedication and skill,” said Lt. Col. Mehedi Imam. “BGB remains committed to ensuring that tragedies like Felani’s never happen again. We continue to stay vigilant along the border.”