Three Bangladeshi nationals killed in BSF firing

Dhaka, Nov 4: Three Bangladeshi nationals have been killed in firing by the Border Security Force (BSF) personnel at Beurjhari-Nagarvita frontier outpost in Baliadangi of northern Thakugaon district of Bangladesh early today.

BSF sources in Delhi confirmed the incident, but said three people were killed in two separate incidents.

"Those who were killed were trying to cut the fence on the Indo-Bangla border," the sources said.

Bangladeshi Rifles (BDR) sources said the BSF allegedly kidnapped another Bangladeshi farmer at gunpoint.

Those who were killed have been identified as Anar Uddin, 25, Hamidul Islam, 32, of of Dhariabondi village in Amzankhor union, and another unidentified farmer, aged 15. The BSF members allegedly dragged the bodies across the Indian border.

The BDR sources alleged BSF opened fire at about 0500 hrs today when four Bangladeshi farmers went to work in their land near border pillar 378/2-S of Beurjhari-Nagarvita frontier.

''BSF members of Chaklagacha camp of 47 Kishaganj Battalion fired 25-30 rounds indiscriminately leaving the three Bangladeshis dead on the spot. They also kidnapped Ramzan Ali, 14, at gunpoint,'' they claimed.

Thakurgaon' 23 Rifles Battalion protested the BSF firing and sent a letter to their counterpart to send back the dead bodies.

The BDR sources said the bodies are supposed to be returned after a flag meeting on Saturday night.

UNI