Bangladeshi youth shot dead by Khasias along Sylhet border

A Bangladeshi national was shot dead along the Companiganj border in Sylhet on Thursday night, allegedly by members of India’s Khasi community, officials said.

The incident took place around 8:30 PM in a betel nut grove near the border, according to a press release issued Friday by Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Sylhet Battalion-48.

The deceased was identified as Saleh Ahmed Joydhar, 30, a resident of Karbalar Tuk village in Companiganj upazila.

According to BGB, Saleh and two others had crossed into Indian territory to collect a consignment of drugs. While they were near a betel nut garden, members of the Khasi community, reportedly suspecting them to be betel nut thieves, opened fire using pellet guns.

Saleh died on the spot from gunshot injuries, the statement said.

His companions, Suman Mia, 25, from Nazirgaon village, and Masum Ahmed, 20, also from Karbalar Tuk village, later carried the body back across the border into Bangladesh.

Officials said further details are being verified, and authorities are in communication regarding the incident.