Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Wednesday described the killing of innocent Bangladeshi citizens by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) along the border as deeply unfortunate and a clear violation of human rights.
“The killing of innocent Bangladeshi nationals by the BSF is extremely regrettable and constitutes a clear violation of human rights,” he told Parliament.
Responding to a written question from ruling party MP Nilufar Chowdhury Moni (Women Seat-10), the Minister said Bangladesh has consistently protested the use of lethal force by the BSF and continues to press for accountability and compensation through diplomatic and bilateral engagements.
He said the issue has been repeatedly raised in border conferences between the chiefs of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the BSF.
Salahuddin Ahmed said there has been no formal agreement under which the Government of India directly provides financial assistance to families of Bangladeshis killed in BSF firing incidents. However, he said Bangladesh continues to raise strong objections in bilateral meetings and maintain diplomatic pressure for accountability and compensation.
He added that sustained engagement has resulted in some positive commitments from the Indian side, including pledges by the BSF to reduce the use of lethal weapons and rely more on non-lethal methods in border management.
The Minister informed Parliament that since August 5, 2024, a total of 2,369 people were pushed into Bangladesh by the BSF. Of them, 2,175 were handed over to police stations, 11 were returned to the BSF, and 183 were pushed back through the border. He also said Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has thwarted 36 attempted push-ins following the West Bengal Assembly elections in India.
He said cooperation between BGB and BSF has been strengthened to reduce border deaths and curb cross-border crime. Night-time joint patrols have been increased in vulnerable and sensitive border areas to improve surveillance and prevent incidents.
The Minister added that both sides are using flag meetings at company and battalion commander levels to address incidents quickly. He said whenever any undesirable situation arises along the border, local-level flag meetings are convened promptly to prevent escalation and restore stability.
Bangladesh has long maintained that the use of deadly force against unarmed civilians along the border is unacceptable and has repeatedly called for a policy of zero border deaths.
On anti-narcotics operations, Salahuddin said smuggled goods worth Tk 19.79 billion were seized between June 2025 and May 2026. During this period, Border Guard Bangladesh conducted over 375,000 operations, recovering large quantities of yaba, phensidyl, cannabis, liquor and other narcotics, along with arresting 2,189 suspects.
He also said the Department of Narcotics Control carried out 30,744 operations between February 17 and May 31, filing 9,251 cases and arresting 9,685 traffickers. A nationwide special drive against drugs and terrorism launched on May 1 has resulted in further arrests and seizures, including illegal firearms.
The Minister said law enforcement agencies are monitoring juvenile gang activity in Dhaka through cyber surveillance of social media platforms, while anti-mugging drives in Mohammadpur have led to multiple arrests.
He informed Parliament that Bangladesh’s 75 prisons, with a capacity of 45,136 inmates, are currently housing 77,040 prisoners, reflecting severe overcrowding.
He added that prisoners receive 50 per cent of profits generated from goods produced inside prisons.
Salahuddin also said the government is working with multiple agencies to block online gambling platforms and betting sites. A new Gambling Prevention Act 2026 is being drafted to replace the Public Gambling Act of 1867, aimed at addressing the rise of online gambling and protecting young people from related harms.
He said coordinated efforts by law enforcement, telecom regulators and intelligence agencies are ongoing to restrict access to illegal platforms and reduce associated criminal activity."UNB
