Despite repeated commitments by India to bring border killings down to zero, killings, shootings, torture and violence along the Bangladesh frontier continue unabated, leaving border residents trapped in fear and uncertainty.
The latest incident occurred on the night of May 13, when 25-year-old Khadimul Islam was reportedly shot dead by India's Border Security Force (BSF) at the Amjhol border in Lalmonirhat's Hatibandha upazila. Earlier this month, HSC student Mursalin, 20, and Nabi Hossain, 55, were killed in shootings at the Kasba border in Brahmanbaria. On April 8, Ali Hossain, 49, also allegedly died in BSF firing at the Dhabalguri border in Patgram.
According to data from Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), 29 people were killed in border-related shootings and torture in 2024. The number rose to 32 in 2025, while at least six people had already been killed by May 9 this year.
Officials and observers say many of the incidents take place during pursuits over allegations of smuggling or illegal crossings. However, victims often include farmers, labourers and students, raising serious humanitarian concerns alongside security issues.
Although Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the BSF regularly hold border meetings, at director general level, experts say there has been little visible improvement on the ground.
Former Dhaka University professor and international relations analyst Imtiaz Ahmed said shooting unarmed people could never be justified and described such incidents as extrajudicial killings. He stressed the importance of mobilising Indian civil society, intellectuals and human rights organisations alongside diplomatic efforts.
Human rights activist Elina Khan described border killings as a longstanding human rights crisis and called for stronger political and diplomatic pressure, along with impartial investigations into every incident.
Nur Khan Liton, member of the Commission on Enforced Disappearances, said repeated pledges to reduce border killings to zero had produced no meaningful results. He warned that the absence of justice in many cases could encourage a culture of impunity and suggested raising the issue at international forums if necessary.
During a meeting with Indian High Commissioner Pranay Kumar Verma on March 1, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said Bangladesh does not want to see any killings along the border.
Experts believe reducing border killings will require stronger accountability, effective coordination between the two border forces, better employment opportunities in border areas and sustained diplomatic engagement between the two neighbouring countries.
