A new development in the case of a Bangladeshi teenage girl’s death on the India-Bangladesh border emerged on Thursday as Dhaka accused the Border Security Force (BSF) of the killing. On Monday morning, BSF personnel in Tripura discovered the body of the girl, with bullet wounds, at the zero line near the border fence.
Indian authorities claimed that the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) allegedly shot her while she was attempting illegal entry into India. The body was handed over to the BGB on Tuesday evening after a delay of over 24 hours and a flag meeting between the two forces.
On Thursday, Bangladesh’s foreign ministry issued a protest note to the Indian mission in Dhaka, alleging that 13-year-old Shwarna Das from Juri upazila in Moulvi Bazar district was shot by the BSF on September 1.
According to the Bangladeshi account, Das and her mother were trying to cross into India via an illegal route, assisted by human traffickers, to visit Das’ brother. There was no immediate Indian response to the protest note.
Bangladesh condemned the incident as “undesirable and unwarranted,” citing a violation of the Joint Indo-Bangladesh Guidelines for Border Authorities of 1975. Indian officials, however, maintained that the teenager might have been shot while attempting to cross the border illegally.
A BSF official familiar with the situation stated, “Initially, BGB refused to take back the body, claiming she was not from Bangladesh and might have been killed by Indian forces.
Our investigation confirmed she was from the Kalaura police station area in Bangladesh.” The official added, “She likely ran a few metres before collapsing on the zero line after being shot.”
The Indian side has a border fence, but Bangladesh does not. Since August 5, following political upheaval in Bangladesh, many Bangladeshi nationals, fearing persecution, have attempted illegal entry into India. These attempts have been thwarted by the BSF, with infiltrators being returned to Bangladesh.
The BGB announced increased security measures and helplines for information on illegal crossings a day before the girl’s body was found.
A senior BSF official reiterated the force’s non-lethal policy at the border, stating, “Despite numerous intrusion attempts since August 5, BSF has not used force. Intruders are apprehended and handed over to BGB after flag meetings.” More than two dozen individuals have been returned to Bangladesh following such meetings at various border points.
What Other Media Are Saying
- New Age reports that Bangladesh lodged a strong protest with India over the killing of a 13-year-old girl by BSF personnel on September 1, 2024, demanding justice and inquiry into the incident. (read more)
- RTV reports that Bangladesh has lodged a formal protest to India over the killing of a 13-year-old Bangladeshi girl by the Border Security Force, expressing deep concern and calling for inquiries and justice. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened to the teenage Bangladeshi girl at the India-Bangladesh border?
She was found dead with bullet injuries at the zero line ahead of the border fence.
Who does Bangladesh blame for the girl’s death?
Bangladesh blames the Border Security Force (BSF) for the incident.
What did Indian officials say about the incident?
Indian officials allege the girl was shot by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) while trying to enter India illegally.
What measures did BGB take following the incident?
BGB announced enhanced security measures along the border and set up two helplines for reporting illegal crossings.
What is the BSF’s policy on handling border intrusions?
BSF follows a non-lethal policy and apprehends intruders, handing them over to BGB after flag meetings.
