On the eve of the 54th Independence Day, a Bangladeshi youth named Al Amin (32) was killed by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) firing. Simultaneously, another Bangladeshi youth named Liton Parvez (22) was injured in BSF firing at the Durgapur Dighaltari border in Lalmonirhat.

BNP leaders have voiced their outrage on the killing of a Bangladeshi by the border guards of a friendly nation on Independence Day. According to BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu, such occurrences stem from the current lack of democracy within the country. He told Bangla Outlook that the government's actions has compromised the nation's independence and sovereignty, rendering them subservient to neighbouring countries. The tragic incident of Bangladeshis being killed at the border on the eve of Independence Day is profoundly saddening and disheartening.

He pointed out, "Awami League general secretary and minister Obaidul Quader, along with other ministers, have openly admitted that they maintained power due to support from India. Consequently, even in the face of Bangladeshi fatalities at the country's border, they lack the fortitude to raise objections."

Al Amin was fatally shot by BSF gunfire in the Milmari area near the Nitpur border post (BOP) of Porsha upazila in the Naogaon district on Tuesday morning. This information was confirmed by Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) 16 Battalion (Naogaon) captain Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Sadikur Rahman. The deceased, identified as the son of Abu Bakkar Siddique, hails from Nitpur Colonypara village in Nitpur Union of the Upazila.

Residents informed reporters that Al Amin, along with a few others, crossed into India through the main pillar number 232 of the Nitpur border area sometime during the day and night of last Monday. Upon their return to Bangladesh with cows through the Milmari area of the Nitpur border, they were pursued by soldiers from the Agrabad camp of BSF's 159th battalion in the Malda district of India at around 4:30 am today. While the others managed to evade capture, Al Amin was fatally shot. The incident occurred in India, approximately two kilometres from the zero line of the India-Bangladesh border. BSF personnel subsequently took away Al Amin's body.

The chairman of Nitpur Union Parishad (UP), Enamul Haque, revealed that Al Amin was involved in the transportation of cows to and from India. He would bring cows from India as a shepherd in exchange for payment. Last night, Al Amin and 10 to 12 others ventured into India through the Nitpur border area to procure cows. However, on their return journey with the cows early in the morning, they were pursued by BSF personnel. Tragically, Al Amin lost his life on the spot due to BSF firing.

BGB 16 Battalion Captain Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Sadiqur Rahman confirmed that a Bangladeshi citizen was killed in the Milmari area, situated approximately two kilometres from the Bangladesh border. In response to this incident, a letter has been dispatched to the BSF requesting a flag meeting between BGB and BSF company commanders.

Meanwhile, Liton Parvez sustained injuries from BSF gunfire within India, near pillar number 923 of the Dighaltari West Border in Durgapur Union of Aditmari Upazila, Lalmonirhat. Liton Parvez, hailing from Sangkachawra village, is the son of Mokchedul Haque.

According to local accounts, a group of herdsmen reportedly entered India illegally last Monday night, as they do daily, to procure cows from Indian traders. On their return journey with the cows, they encountered members of the Dinhata Kaimari BSF camp in Cooch Behar district. When the cow smugglers alerted the area, approximately 20-25 Bangladeshis, including Liton Parvez, crossed into India illegally to aid them. BSF opened fire when Liton Parvez pursued a BSF member with a stick. While the majority managed to flee, Liton sustained injuries from the gunfire and fell in India. Subsequently, he was taken away by BSF. Notably, Liton Parvez had previously been injured by a BSF rubber bullet while engaging in similar smuggling activities.

Lieutenant Colonel Mofazzal Hossain, Commander of BGB Lalmonirhat 15 Battalion, confirmed that a young man named Liton was indeed injured at the border. He was subsequently admitted to the MG Hospital in India by BSF and is currently receiving treatment there.