Man not killed by Air Force gunfire at Cox's Bazar base, says ISPR

It claims an analysis of the shell casing confirms it was a blank cartridge, non-lethal and used only for sound

The Inter-Services Public Relations, or ISPR, has refuted claims that a man was killed by gunfire from Air Force personnel during a clash near the Air Force base in Cox’s Bazar.

“A group with malicious intent has been spreading false information on social media, claiming the young man was killed by Air Force gunfire, which is untrue,” the ISPR said in a statement on Monday afternoon.

Earlier, around 12pm, locals clashed with Air Force personnel in Cox’s Bazar Municipality’s Ward No 1, near the Samiti Para next to the base.

Brickbats were thrown, and there were chase and counter-chase incidents, during which gunshots were also fired.

In an earlier statement, the ISPR said: “Some criminals from Samiti Para, adjacent to the Cox’s Bazar Air Force base, launched an unprovoked attack on the base. The Bangladesh Air Force is taking the necessary measures in this regard.”

While the ISPR did not confirm any casualties, both police and local authorities reported one death and several injuries.

The dead has been identified as Sihab Kabir Nahid, 30, a businessman from Samiti Para.

His body has been kept at Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital morgue.

Shihab’s mother, Amena Khatun, a retired headteacher at Cox's Bazar Government High School, told journalists at the hospital: “The Air Force shot my son in the head.”

Residents also claimed that Shihab died from gunshot wounds.

However, neither police nor hospital authorities have confirmed this.

ISPR said, “Upon examining the photo of the spent shell casing, it was found to be from a blank cartridge, which is non-lethal and produces only sound.”

“The Bangladesh Air Force expressed deep condolences and sympathy to the family of the dead.”

ISPR'S ACCOUNT OF INCIDENT

The ISPR statement highlighted the Air Force's account of the incident in Samiti Para.

It said a group of miscreants from the area launched a sudden attack on the base on Monday.

"A local man was taken inside the base for questioning as he lacked proper documents for his motorcycle at a checkpost near BIAM Laboratory School and College. When around 200 locals approached the base, Air Force personnel attempted to prevent them.

“As the crowd grew, a clash broke out between the Air Force personnel and the miscreants," the ISPR said.

Encouraged by certain groups, the attackers threw brickbats, injuring several people, including four Air Force personnel—one officer and three airmen.

The ISPR said, “Shihab Kabir Nahid, a young man, suffered severe injuries and was rushed to a local hospital in an Air Force vehicle, where he later succumbed to his injuries.”

It clarified that, in accordance with the Rules of Engagement, the Air Force fired blank rounds to protect the base, but no live ammunition was used against the local population.

The injured Air Force personnel are currently receiving treatment at the hospital.

The ISPR also said the Air Force vehicle was damaged by brickbats, and that there were attempts by the locals to set fire to the bushes nearby, although the fire did not spread further.

‘SHEIKH HASINA AIR FORCE BASE’ IS NOT THE NAME

The ISPR said, "In reporting the incident, some online news portals and social media platforms are maliciously referring to the name of the base as Sheikh Hasina Air Force, which is not true."

It clarified that the base was officially renamed Bangladesh Air Force Base Cox’s Bazar through a government notification on Dec 2, 2021, and this remains unchanged.

The ISPR emphasised that the Bangladesh Air Force is not only safeguarding the airspace but also working alongside the public to deal with the overall situation in the country.

“It will continue to work for the well-being of the people in the future.”