BSF kills BD youth at Chunarughat

CHUNARUGHAT, HABIGANJ, Aug 31: A 21-year-old Bangladeshi man was shot dead by India's Border Security Force (BSF) along the Chimtibil border in Chunarughat Upazila on Sunday.

The deceased was identified as Sohag Mia, son of Md Shafiqul Islam of Chimtibil area.

The incident occurred around 12:30pm in Indian territory, about one kilometre inside the zero line, said Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).

Lt Col Tanzilur Rahman, Commanding Officer of BGB-55 Battalion in Habiganj, confirmed the incident.

He said BSF personnel opened fire after identifying suspected cattle smugglers, leaving Sohag dead.

“BGB personnel visited the spot immediately after the incident. The body has been handed over to police and will be released to the family after completion of legal procedures,” he said.

According to BGB and police sources, local residents heard gunshots around 12:30pm and later found a man lying near the border. His family members subsequently identified him as Sohag.

He was taken to Chunarughat Upazila Health Complex, where an on-duty doctor declared him dead. Police later prepared an inquest report.

Sohag's uncle Abdul Kadir claimed that his nephew had taken cattle to the border area for grazing and was shot after BSF personnel mistook him for a cattle smuggler.

However, several local residents, speaking anonymously, alleged that Sohag was involved in smuggling Indian cattle.

BGB said the incident took place in Indian territory, and the body was handed over to the police for legal procedures.