At least one person killed, three wounded in BDR-BSF gunfight

Dhaka, Apr 12 (UNI) At least one person was killed and three wounded in an exchange of fire between the BSF and BDR across the Kuchlibari border of Patgram sub-district in northern Bangladesh today.

Heavy firing was on till the last reports came in.

Residents of Kuchlibari and adjoining villages fled their homes in the face of heavy gun and mortar fires.

Patgram administrative officer Fazlul Karim confirmed ex-Union Council member Abul Hossain (45), Azimon Bewa (56) and Shakmal of Kuchlibari were injured. They were brought to Patgram health complex. One Sharifuddin succumbed to bullet injuries at the health complex.

There may be more casualties, Mr Karim said over phone.

He said some mortars landed in front of the Patgram college compound. Sounds of heavy gunfire were heard from Barua Bazar, 15 km away from Kuchlibari.

Col Hasan, Operation Director of BDR in Dhaka, confirming the border fighting said that heavy exchange of fire continued at Kuchlibari border.

Officials said tension on the Kuchlibari border was continuing since March 28 when Indian national Jasimuddin was shot dead by BDR for illegal trespass.

UNI XC YA HS2319