On April 18, 2001, marking 30 years of independence, Bangladesh encountered its first direct assault from a foreign adversary. Despite possessing limited troops and weaponry, Bangladesh emerged victorious. In April 2001, Major General (retired) ALM Fazlur Rahman, then Chief of the BDR, discovered that the Indian BSF was constructing a road across the No Man's Land, linking it to Bangladesh's 'Padua' region and establishing a temporary BSF camp there. Despite repeated protests by the BDR, there was no cooperation from the Indian side, even declining requests for a flag meeting. On the night of April 15-16, approximately four hundred forces, under the command of Major General Fazlur Rahman, surrounded the Indian BSF camp in Padua, situated on Bangladeshi sovereign territory. With around 70 BSF soldiers present, they surrendered after firing only six rounds. Padua came under complete control of the BDR. Negotiations with India commenced on the 16th, with an agreement reached that both sides would refrain from military action during the settlement process. However, amidst these negotiations, India betrayed Bangladesh. In the early hours of April 18, approximately 500 troops, comprising the Indian Army and BSF, invaded Bangladesh to seize a portion of the Baraibari area in the Roumari upazila of Kurigram district, along with a BDR camp. At that time, only 11 BDR members were present, and Lance Naik Ohiduzzaman was martyred in the sudden firing by Indian soldiers. The remaining ten BDR soldiers, armed with only two sub-machine guns and basic weaponry, mounted a fierce counterattack against the overwhelming Indian forces from two sides. In the initial counterattack, 17/18 Indian soldiers were killed.

The Indian invasion forces were halted in their tracks. Meanwhile, under the leadership of Major General Fazlur Rahman, approximately four hundred troops were deployed from Mymensingh and Netrakona. Intense combat ensued with the Indian forces in the open field. Disoriented by the BDR's relentless counterattacks, the Indian troops eventually retreated. Eighteen dead bodies were left on the Bangladesh border, while approximately 174 additional casualties were reported. Unfortunately, three BDR members were martyred in the exchange. The Indian forces fled, acknowledging complete defeat.

Recently, in light of the killings of BGB members and civilians by the BSF along the Bangladesh-India border, Bangla Outlook interviewed Major General (Retd.) Fazlur Rahman – the hero of the incident above. The Dhaka representative of Bangla Outlook conducted the interview.

BO: In recent times, especially in the last 15 years, border killings by the Indian BSF have increased; what is the reason for this?

Fazlur Rahman: We have closely observed the situation. As China's influence in Bangladesh expands, India has intensified border killings. India orchestrated this incident strategically before and after a high-ranking Chinese official's visit to Bangladesh. Just last week, a delegation from the Chinese government visited Bangladesh. Immediately following this, India carried out these killings in an attempt to exert pressure on Bangladesh. In response, BGB members fatally shot a civilian the day after the incident.

BO: Do other countries that share borders with India have reported killings similar to those in Bangladesh? Despite India's vocal claims of being a tested friend of Bangladesh?

Fazlur Rahman: The border security forces of all countries have the authority to use firearms if necessary. According to the 1975 border agreement between Bangladesh and India, it is permissible to fire upon individuals illegally carrying lethal weapons (guns) along the border of the two countries, with the option to aim below the waist. Per the agreement, suspects are supposed to be apprehended by either the BSF or BGB and handed over to the respective police authorities. However, India's recent actions have violated this agreement, a trend on the rise. This represents a weakness on the part of the Bangladeshi government.

In contrast, a few days ago, Indian BSF shot and killed a Nepali citizen on the Nepal border, sparking protests from the Nepalese people. Subsequently, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took responsibility for the incident and publicly apologised. However, due to our government's weak policies, we cannot take similar actions. Incidents like the murders of Felani and Raees Uddin have occurred, and regrettably, we have silently accepted them.

BO: So, what should Bangladesh do?

Fazlur Rahman: Indeed, there is much work to be done, and numerous avenues are available for addressing violations of border agreements. Ordinary citizens have the right to take legal action against breaches of the border agreement. They can file lawsuits in Dhaka to hold those responsible for violating the agreement accountable.

BO: Is there a situation in the country to file a case against India's BSF in the court of Bangladesh?

Fazlur Rahman: Anyone can take action on behalf of citizens. If the country's court refuses to hear the case, it can be pursued in foreign or international courts. Israel, for instance, faced a lawsuit at the International Court of Justice for its illegal attacks and acts of genocide in Gaza, Palestine. This case was tried in the court, and Israel was compelled to follow the law. Similarly, the people of Bangladesh could consider filing a case against India for border killings.

BO: Many initiatives have been taken to improve relations with India, including the Border Hut, Maitry Train, and Enclave Agreement. However, what message do such killings convey?

Fazlur Rahman: The message is clear: India is our neighbour but not necessarily our friend. Shooting a friend in the chest does not lead to closure. If such actions persist, it suggests that we are either weak or held hostage by them. Therefore, any friendship with India must be built on respecting border agreements and preserving our independence and sovereignty.

BO: Do you think the government has any diplomatic weakness? 

Fazlur Rahman: I refrain from commenting on whether the government exhibits weakness or not. However, the lack of goodwill is evident. Each killing, termed by the Indian government as an isolated incident, is accepted as such by our government as well. However, these incidents are not isolated; they are planned. Just recently, Indian Home Minister Amit Shah publicly referred to the people of Bangladesh as 'termites', and the Chief Minister of Assam has discussed the idea of occupying Bangladesh. Additionally, there have been instances where certain areas of Bangladesh were depicted as part of India on maps published by Indian authorities. These are not isolated incidents but deliberate decisions the Government of India made.

BO: What is the path to a solution?

Fazlur Rahman: The Bangladesh government must vehemently protest after every incident and relentlessly press for justice. The BSF should be brought to trial in an international court. In this matter, there is no room for politeness or weakness. We must be firm and resolute in our stance.

BO: Thank you

Fazlur Rahman: The media plays a crucial role in galvanising public opinion to demand an end to border killings. Hopefully, Bangla Outlook will spotlight these incidents involving India's BSF and Bangladesh's BGB through its reporting, bringing them to the forefront of international attention. Thanks are also due to Bangla Outlook for its efforts in this regard.