ASK expresses deep concern over BSF border killings

Rights organisation Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) has expressed concern and condemnation over the killing of two Bangladeshi nationals by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) along Brahmanbaria’s Kasba border.

In a statement issued on Sunday, ASK said the border can “never be a space for loss of life”.

 “Rather, it should reflect the rule of law, humanity and mutual respect,” it added.

The incident took place late Friday, around 11:00 pm at the Pathariadwar border in Gopinathpur Union, when BSF opened fire, leaving two Bangladeshis dead and several others reportedly injured.

The dead were identified as Md Morsalin, 20, and Nibir Hossain, 55.

In a separate statement, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) said around 15 Bangladeshi smugglers, allegedly with the help of Indian counterparts, entered Indian territory in the Dhajanagar–Pathariadwar area around 11:00 pm.

While returning with smuggled goods, they were intercepted by a patrol team of the BSF’s 49 Battalion at the Pathariadwar camp.

According to the BGB, a confrontation broke out when the smugglers allegedly attacked BSF personnel, leading to a scuffle.

At one stage, BSF members reportedly fired two pellets at the group, injuring Morsalin and another person.

Both later died while undergoing treatment in an Indian hospital, the BSF confirmed.

ASK said that even in cases of alleged illegal border crossing or smuggling, law-enforcing agencies must follow due legal procedures.

 “Extrajudicial shooting cannot be justified under any circumstances,” the statement said, adding that international human rights standards prioritise the protection of life.

Citing its records, ASK said at least six Bangladeshis have been killed or injured in BSF firing or torture along the border between January 2026 and May 9.

The organisation described border killings as a longstanding human rights crisis, saying repeated assurances from Indian authorities have failed to stop such incidents.

ASK urged the Bangladesh government to prioritise the issue in diplomatic and bilateral talks, stressing that the border must never become a “zone of death but a reflection of law, humanity and mutual respect”.