Bodies of 2 Bangladeshis killed by BSF returned after 18 hours

Reports say 20 other Bangladeshis were also injured in BSF firing done “to prevent smuggling”

The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) has handed over the bodies of two Bangladeshi men whom they shot dead along the Kasba Upazila border in Brahmanbaria.

The handover took place on Saturday following a battalion-level flag meeting, nearly 18 hours after the incident.

The dead were identified as Mohammad Mursalin, 20, of Dhajonagar village, and Nabir Hossain, 55, of Madhupur village.

According to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), the incident occurred around 1am on Friday near the Dhajonagar-Pathariaduar border.

BGB officials said about 15 people had entered approximately 200 yards into Indian territory to engage in “smuggling” with Indian counterparts.

"A scuffle broke out between the group and BSF personnel during an attempt to stop the smuggling," a statement by the BGB said.

"At one point, BSF members fired two rounds of birdshot (pellets)."

Locals said Mursalin and Nabir were hit and subsequently picked up by BSF members, who took them to a hospital in India, where they later succumbed to their injuries.

At least 20 others were reportedly injured in the incident, though their identities could not be confirmed.

The Sultanpur-60 BGB Battalion called for a flag meeting to demand the return of the bodies.

Battalion Commander Lt Col SM Shariful Islam led the Bangladeshi delegation, alongside Kasba Police chief Naznin Sultana.

The Indian side was represented by Lt Col Ajit Kumar Singh, commander of the 49th BSF Battalion, and officials from Bishalgarh Police Station.

"We have sent a formal protest note to the BSF," said Shariful.

He added that the border situation is currently stable and the bodies have been handed over to the families after the necessary formalities.