Tragic death of Bangladeshi citizens at the hands of the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) has been going on unabated for year after year, casting a long shadow over an otherwise historically friendly relation between Bangladesh and India.
The latest incident took place on 09 September, when a 16-year-old Bangladeshi boy named Shri Jayanta Jambu of Baliadangi upazila of Thakurgaon district, was shot and killed by the BSF.
And it is shocking to note that just 8 days ago on September 1 another Bangladeshi from Moulovibazar district, was killed at the border by the BSF.
Despite the close geographical proximity and cultural ties, the continued killings of Bangladeshis along the Indo-Bangladesh border have raised significant concern and deep frustration among Bangladeshis. These incidents not only violate the basic human rights of the victims but also harm diplomatic efforts aimed at fostering closer economic, political, and people to people cooperation between the two countries.
Border killings have been an ongoing problem for years, and the number of victims continues to rise, despite repeated promises from both sides to bring them under control. According to reports from human rights organisations, since 2000, more than 1000 Bangladeshis have been killed by the BSF. The actual number could be higher, given the challenges in tracking these incidents.
The reasons for these deaths vary. Some victims are alleged cattle smugglers, while others are innocent civilians who unknowingly stray too close to the heavily patrolled border. In many cases, the victims are unarmed and pose no immediate threat to Indian security forces, making the disproportionate use of lethal force by the BSF difficult to justify under international law.
The consequences of these border killings extend beyond the lives lost. For Bangladesh, these incidents represent a gross violation of the country's sovereignty and fundamental human rights of its citizens. The Bangladesh government and its people have repeatedly expressed frustration over the Indian government's failure to control the BSF, leading to diplomatic strains.
While both Bangladesh and India have worked closely on trade, connectivity, and counter-terrorism, border killings have undermined trust. Frequent meetings between top officials from both sides have failed to produce a lasting solution, with India often downplaying the issue or offering assurances that do not translate into action on the ground. Bangladeshis increasingly view India's reluctance to rein in the BSF as a sign of indifference toward their lives and interests, which stirs public resentment.
Politically, this tension is exploited by various factions within Bangladesh. Anti-Indian rhetoric is gaining momentum, particularly among opposition parties, which point to the border killings as evidence of India's disregard for Bangladesh's sovereignty. This sentiment creates additional pressure on the government of Bangladesh, which seeks to maintain cordial relations with India due to economic and geopolitical interests. However, continued border killings weaken the government's position domestically, especially as the public demands accountability and concrete action.
India has repeatedly stated that the BSF is tasked with controlling illegal activities along the border, particularly smuggling. However, the current use of lethal force is disproportionate to the threat those crossing the border pose, especially when many of them are desperate individuals seeking economic opportunities or reuniting with family members. International law and human rights norms require that lethal force only be used as a last resort, in situations where lives are at immediate risk. Clearly, the excessive force currently employed violates these standards.
To curb the violence, both Bangladesh and India must adopt a cooperative, humane approach. Strengthening border management through non-lethal means, such as advanced surveillance technologies, can help detect and prevent smuggling without the loss of life.
In addition, the two nations must intensify their diplomatic efforts to reach a binding agreement on border management that emphasizes human rights and accountability. While several bilateral agreements already exist to promote peace along the border, they remain largely unenforced. What is needed is an independent monitoring mechanism to investigate border killings and hold those responsible accountable. India, as the more powerful nation, must demonstrate its commitment to protecting lives rather than perpetuating violence.
By ending border killings, the two countries can move beyond this source of tension and build a relationship that is based on mutual respect, cooperation, and the shared goal of regional peace and prosperity.
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