Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) has stated that the recurring incidents of unarmed Bangladeshi citizens being shot to death by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) in border areas are “deeply concerning, inhumane, and utterly condemnable”.
ASK reports that the persistence of this trend of fatalities at the border, despite years of bilateral talks, meetings at various levels, and other such assurances, is not only a violation of human rights but is also contradictory to the historical friendship and trust between the two neighbouring countries.
ASK states that opening lethal fire on unarmed civilian citizens can never be justified or acceptable in any way, adding that such incidents repeatedly call into question international human rights standards, the principles of justice in border management, and the previous commitments of the two countries.
Both Bangladesh and India have an equal responsibility to protect the lives and security of people living in the border areas; any failure in fulfilling this responsibility is extremely disappointing, it said.
According to ASK’s own statistics, between January to November of 2025, at least 28 Bangladeshi citizens were killed by BSF in border areas, saying that it has become crucial that impartial investigations are conducted into each of these killings at the border and to hold those responsible accountable.
At the same time, it is crucial to translate the joint commitment of the two countries into reality by avoiding the use of lethal weapons in border management and by remaining respectful to humanity, restraint, and international standards, it added.
ASK called on the Indian Government to take visible steps to stop these inhumane killings in the interest of the friendly relations between the two countries, human rights values, and regional stability.
Ensuring peace and human security at the border is not just a principled stance; it is a reflection of the mutual respect and solidarity between the peoples of the two countries. ASK expresses the expectation that India will play an active and responsible role in stopping the use of lethal force at the border, prioritizing the dignity of human life.
