Over the past five years, 151 Bangladeshis have been killed by gunfire from India’s Border Security Force (BSF), according to data from Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK). Around 40% of these killings occurred in the Rangpur division, which shares a significant stretch of the 4,096-kilometer-long border with India. Despite India’s repeated pledges to reduce border killings to zero, the situation on the ground remains largely unchanged. Analysts emphasize the need for coordinated border management between the two countries to curb these deaths.

Rangpur’s six districts are particularly vulnerable, with regular cross-border movement for agriculture and daily work. However, this has also opened the door for smuggling networks, which Indian border guards often use as justification for excessive force—despite bilateral agreements that strictly prohibit lethal action. In these five years, 61 of the 151 killings happened in Rangpur alone. Local villagers report living in constant fear, often unable to sleep at night due to unexpected gunfire. Many accuse BSF of shooting at civilians, even farmers, under mere suspicion of smuggling.

The highest number of deaths was recorded in Lalmonirhat, where 19 individuals were reportedly killed by BSF. The latest case involved a youth named Hasibul, allegedly taken from Bangladeshi territory while cutting grass and brutally killed by BSF personnel. His mother claimed he was assaulted with a rifle and thrown into a vehicle like a sack of grain.

Experts argue that apart from better coordination, a shift in the mindset of Indian border forces is also crucial. International relations analyst Taha Husain pointed out that existing bilateral protocols clearly state legal action—not lethal force—should be taken against border intrusions.

Meanwhile, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) continues routine patrols to prevent illegal crossings and smuggling, especially within the 150-yard zero line. Lt. Col. Mehedi Imam of BGB’s 15 Battalion stated that patrols are ongoing to ensure no unauthorized movement occurs on either side.

The memory of Felani Khatun, a teenage girl shot and left hanging on the barbed wire in 2011 at the Kurigram border, still looms large. Thirteen years later, justice remains elusive for her grieving family.