BGB-BSF exchange fire at Charghat border

Members of border guards of India and Bangladesh on Thursday morning exchanged fire in Rajshahi over catching hilsa in the Padma River by Indian fishermen.

Meanwhile, BBC Bangla reports that Border Security Force (BSF) of India has claimed that one of its members killed and another injured during the exchange of fire at about 11am along Charghat border.

According to Indian media Zee News the deceased was identified as head constable Vijay Bhan Singh. The injured is constable Rajbir Singh.

BGB Rajshahi-1 battalion additional director major Afis Bulbul told media that an Indian fisherman is in their custody.

“An Indian fisherman is in the BGB custody. I've heard the incident of fire exchange. Details will be disclosed after the commander-level flag meeting,” said Afis.

Charghat Upazila Fisheries official Ariful Islam said, “A BGB team was patrolling in the river to check illegal hilsa fishing in the morning as the government imposed a 22-day ban on the hilsa fishing."

Three Indian fishermen were found catching hilsa inside Bangladesh territory. BGB at that time detained one fisherman while two others fled the scene and informed the BSF, he added.

On information, BSF members came to the scene and started hurling abuse at the BGB.

As the BGB men protested, the Indian border force fired gunshots, prompting the BGB men to fire back that led to the exchange of fire, said  Islam.

GY/LY