The Citizen Initiative expresses its deepest outrage and strongest condemnation at the continued and unlawful killing of Bangladeshi citizens along the Bangladesh-India border by the Border Security Force of India (BSF). Within just a week, five Bangladeshi nationals, including Shahidul Islam of Chuadanga, Sabuj Mia of Patgram, Sukhiram Urang of Moulvibazar, and two more young men in Chapainawabganj, have lost their lives to indiscriminate and excessive use of force by BSF personnel.
These incidents occurring within a single week represent a grave and unacceptable pattern of lethal and disproportionate force used by the BSF against Bangladeshi civilians. Despite long-standing bilateral commitments to reduce border killings by the BSF, such killings continue with alarming regularity and total impunity.
We call for immediate, transparent, and independent investigations by both Bangladeshi and Indian authorities to ensure full accountability for the killings, along with a strong diplomatic protest from Bangladesh demanding that India uphold its commitment to non-lethal border management. The swift and dignified return of the victims’ bodies to their families must be guaranteed without delay. We also urge the publication of a joint Bangladesh-India investigative report outlining the exact circumstances of each incident and concrete measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. Furthermore, we seek international actions from human rights organizations, UN bodies, and global partners to pressure India to put an end to extrajudicial border killings. Finally, we call on Bangladeshi authorities to adopt stronger community protection mechanisms for vulnerable border residents, including improved monitoring, rapid-response systems, and legal assistance for victims’ families.
The Citizen Initiative firmly believes that no geopolitical or security concern justifies the routine killing of unarmed civilians. Border areas cannot continue to serve as zones of unchecked violence. These deaths are not isolated accidents; they are part of a systemic killing requiring urgent corrective action. The Citizen Initiative calls upon every conscientious Bangladeshi, political parties, civil society actor, and international stakeholder to raise their voice against these unlawful and systematic killings. Silence enables further violence. Collective action can help bring justice, accountability, and lasting change.
Sincerely,
Taib Ahmed
Secretary, Citizen Initiative
PhD Candidate & Instructor,
Colorado State University
Dr. Hasan Mahmud
Chairman, Citizen Initiative
Assistant Professor,
Northwestern University in Qatar
