Bangladeshi Farmer Killed by BSF Fire at Patgram Border

PNN News Desk, Lalmonirhat 

A shooting incident occurred early Friday morning at the Dhobolguri border area in Patgram Upazila, Lalmonirhat, resulting in the death of Md. Ali Hossain, a 49-year-old Bangladeshi citizen. The deceased, Ali Hossain, was a farmer and the sole earning member of his family. His death has left his family in deep grief, and the local area is experiencing panic and tension.

According to Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) sources, shots were fired from the seven-gram camp of the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) inside Indian territory, approximately 500 yards from zero line near border pillar 874/5 in the Dhobolguri BOP area. The first shots were heard at 2:50 a.m., and the second at 4:50 a.m.

Following mobile-level communication between BGB and BSF battalion commanders, it was reported that, according to the BSF, 7–8 Bangladeshi citizens attempted to cross into Indian territory and cut barbed wire. BSF personnel fired warning shots to prevent them. At one point, scuffles also occurred between both sides.

After being shot, Ali Hossain was taken by BSF personnel to an Indian hospital, where he was declared dead by doctors. He was the son of Abdul Gafur. Locals report that his death has caused unbearable grief in his family, with his wife and children in deep distress.

Residents expressed outrage, stating that firing on unarmed civilians is inexcusable. They demanded swift justice and punishment for the perpetrators. They also called for effective diplomatic measures to prevent such incidents at the border in the future.

The BGB has stated that it is verifying the details of the incident and has organized on-site meetings at the battalion and sector commander levels to maintain control of the situation. Human rights organizations have noted that such fatalities violate international human rights law and have called for urgent measures to prevent recurrence.

Patgram Police Officer-in-Charge (OC) Nazmul Haque said that the deceased’s body is currently in India, and arrangements are being made to repatriate it through a flag meeting.

The Patgram border area of Lalmonirhat has long been tense due to smuggling, illegal crossings, and border disputes. Incidents of gunfire and fatalities occur frequently, creating serious concern for the local border population.