Two Bangladeshi nationals were killed and at least 12 others injured in firing by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) along the Pathariadwar border in Kasba upazila of Brahmanbaria late Friday night, officials said.
The deceased were identified as Morsalin, 20, son of Hebzu Mia of Batenbari village and an HSC student at Gopinathpur Shah Alam Degree College, and Nabir Hossain, 55, son of Makram Ali of Madhupur village.
According to family members, the bodies were taken to Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital in Agartala, India.
Lt Col Shariful Islam, commanding officer of 60 Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), said around 15 suspected smugglers entered about 200 yards inside Indian territory through the Pathariadwar border for smuggling.
When they were returning with goods, members of the BSF’s 49 Battalion intercepted them. At one stage, the BSF opened fire with pellet shots, leaving Morsalin and Nabir critically injured, he said.
They were later taken to a hospital in India, where doctors declared them dead.
At least 12 others were injured in the incident and were taken to hospitals in Cumilla, though their identities could not be confirmed immediately.
Morsalin’s father Hebzu Mia alleged that two local men lured his son to the border with the promise of money.
The BGB official said the bodies would be returned after autopsy through a flag meeting between the two border forces.
Kasba Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Shamiul Islam confirmed the deaths.