Bangladeshi youth shot dead across Indian border

A Bangladeshi youth has reportedly been shot dead across the Indian border near Companiganj upazila in Sylhet district.

The body has yet to be recovered, according to deceased's family. 

The deceased was identified as Saddam Hossain and a resident of Lamagram village under North Ranikhal union. He went across the border with friends last Wednesday, but did not return.

Family members said that one of the companions, Abu Bakkar, returned injured and informed them that Saddam had been shot in waist and leg and killed at the scene.

Saddam’s elder brother, Nizam Uddin, told reporters that Saddam did not carry his mobile phone when leaving home and initially they assumed he had visited relatives, only to learn later that he had crossed into India.

Saddam’s family filed a formal complaint with Companiganj Police Station on Saturday, reporting him missing. 

Authorities were advised to inform the local Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) camp. 

As of Sunday afternoon, police confirmed that the body reportedly remains on the Indian side of the border. 

“Since this is a border matter, legal action will be taken if the body is brought back,” said OC Shafiqul Islam.

Lieutenant Colonel Nazmul Haque stated that BGB is investigating the matter and has contacted the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) to verify the situation. But No confirmation has yet been received from the BSF. 

He added that surveillance has been intensified along the border and local residents are being urged not to cross the border illegally.

SH