The body of a Bangladeshi youth who was allegedly shot dead by India's Border Security Force (BSF) along the Kulaura border in Moulvibazar has been handed over to his family after completion of the necessary legal procedures.
The body of Tara Mia was handed over to Kulaura Police at around 5pm on Monday (August 10), nearly nine hours after the formalities began. The handover took place in the presence of officials from the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), BSF and police forces of both countries at the Chatlapur Customs Station and Immigration Checkpost area.
Tara Mia, 19, was the son of Abdul Malek of Muraichhara Basti in Karmadha Union of Kulaura upazila.
A flag meeting was held at the Chatlapur border at around 5pm on Monday. Following the meeting, BSF personnel and police from Irani Police Station in India's Tripura state handed over Tara Mia's body to his elder brother, Raju Mia, after completing the required legal procedures.
Among those present during the handover were Kulaura Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Sheikh Zahirul Islam Munna, Inspector Srikanta Chakraborty of India's Irani Police Station, Subedar Kazi Nasim, company commander of the Alinagar Camp under BGB 46 Battalion, and Assistant Commandant Rohit, company commander of the BSF's Maguruli Camp, along with local elected representatives.
According to officials, Tara Mia and three others illegally entered Indian territory through the Shikria border area of Alinagar early Sunday (August 9) and reached the Maguruli area of India.
When a BSF patrol team attempted to stop them, an altercation reportedly ensued. At one point, BSF personnel opened fire, killing Tara Mia at the scene. The others accompanying him fled and returned to Bangladesh, where they went into hiding.
Lieutenant Colonel Sarker Asif Mahmud, commander of BGB 46 Battalion, said the BGB had lodged a strong protest with the BSF over the death of the Bangladeshi youth.
“BGB has intensified awareness programmes to discourage young people from becoming involved in criminal activities in border areas, while patrols along the border have also been increased,” he said.
Kulaura Police Station OC Sheikh Zahirul Islam Munna said the body had been handed over to the family after completion of the legal procedures.
“Necessary documentation and legal steps are being taken at the police station in connection with the incident,” he said.
