Farmer cutting grass injured by BSF pellet fire at Daulatpur border, BGB fires back
Photo: Collected
A Bangladeshi farmer was injured in firing by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) at the Jamalpur border in Daulatpur upazila of Kushtia at around 9:30am on Saturday (10 October). His name is Sazul Hossain (30). The incident took place in the area adjacent to border pillar number 152/10-S. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) then fired back to ensure the safety of Bangladeshis on this side of the border. Tension is now prevailing in the border area.
The injured Sazul Hossain’s home is in Jamalpur village; he is the son of Sabaj Hossain.
Local sources said Sazul had gone to cut grass near the zero line of the border in the morning. At that time a patrol team from the Nursery camp of India’s 146 BSF Battalion fired one round of pellets at him. The pellets hit him from his waist down to his ankle.
The 47 BGB Battalion said in a press release that India’s Border Security Force (BSF) suddenly opened fire in the morning and a Bangladeshi citizen was hit in the leg. Immediately afterwards, the regular BGB patrol team of the Jamalpur BOP quickly took position in the border area.
According to the release, BGB also fired back to ensure the safety of local people along the border and as a self-defence measure. Since the incident, BGB patrols and surveillance in the border area have been increased manifold; extra alert is currently in force on that border.
Lieutenant Colonel Rashed Kamal Roni, commanding officer of the Kushtia Battalion (47 BGB), said a Bangladeshi citizen was injured in the firing. After being rescued, he was sent to hospital for treatment. BGB members went to the spot after the incident and are monitoring the situation and taking necessary steps.
The bullet-hit Sazul Hossain was first taken to Daulatpur Upazila Health Complex. After first aid, he was sent from there to Kushtia General Hospital. The information was confirmed by Daulatpur Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Touhid Hasan Tuhin.
Meanwhile, local people claimed that they detained an Indian citizen after the incident. BGB, however, has not confirmed any information on this matter. The authorities concerned said details would be given later after thorough inquiries into the matter.
