Home Minister condemns BSF border killings as rights violation

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told Parliament on Wednesday that the killing of Bangladeshi citizens by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) along the border is deeply regrettable and a clear violation of human rights.

Responding to a written question from ruling party Member of Parliament Nilufar Chowdhury Moni, he said Bangladesh has consistently protested the use of lethal force by the BSF and continues to press for accountability and compensation through diplomatic and bilateral channels.

He said the issue has been repeatedly raised in border conferences between the chiefs of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the BSF. He added that Bangladesh has strongly objected to the BSF’s use of lethal weapons under the pretext of self-defence during these engagements.

Salahuddin Ahmed said there is no specific institutional arrangement or formal agreement under which the Government of India directly provides financial assistance to families of Bangladeshis killed in BSF firing incidents along the border. However, he noted that sustained diplomatic pressure from Bangladesh has led to indirect efforts to raise the issue of compensation and accountability.

The home minister said Bangladesh’s continued engagement with India has produced some positive commitments. He stated that the BSF has, on several occasions, pledged to avoid the use of lethal weapons and instead rely on non-lethal methods in managing border situations.

He also told Parliament that cooperation between the BGB and BSF has been strengthened in an effort to reduce border deaths and curb cross-border crime. As part of this, night-time joint patrols have been increased in vulnerable and sensitive border areas to improve surveillance and prevent incidents.

Salahuddin Ahmed further said mechanisms are in place to respond quickly to any unexpected border incident through flag meetings at company and battalion commander levels. He said such meetings are convened promptly when incidents occur to control tensions and prevent escalation.

Bangladesh has long maintained that the use of deadly force against unarmed civilians along the border is unacceptable and has repeatedly called for a policy of zero deaths at the frontier.