Tension has gripped locals at the Jakiganj border in Sylhet following allegations that India’s Border Security Force (BSF) shot dead a Bangladeshi. Relatives claim BSF members took the body inside Indian territory.
In protest, Bangladeshi villagers detained an Indian resident near the border on Tuesday. Later in the evening, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) intervened and handed him back.
The unrest began Sunday after Dipjal Ahmed, a Bangladeshi youth from Uttar Kul in Jakiganj upazila, went missing.
Locals said Dipjal, son of Ahmad Ali of Digali village under Barathakuri union, crossed into India with several others Sunday night. While returning, BSF members reportedly chased them and opened fire.
His companions managed to flee back to Bangladesh, but Dipjal remained missing. They claim he was killed by BSF gunfire.
By Wednesday noon, several local sources said the missing youth had not been traced across the border. Local union council member Md Abdul Mukit said, “When several youths crossed the border, BSF fired at them. Three escaped, but one is missing. Those who returned claim BSF shot him dead and kept the body.”
Barathakuri Union Parishad Chairman Mohsin Murtuza Chowdhury (Tipu) said, “The incident has sparked serious concern in the area. Locals had detained an Indian national, but he was returned through BGB around 6pm yesterday. The situation is now normal.”
He added, “The issue of the missing Bangladeshi youth remains unresolved. It is not yet officially known whether he is alive or dead.”
While BGB has not issued a formal statement, Jakiganj Police Station Officer‑in‑charge Md Abdur Razzak said, “Residents of Uttar Kul border area claim someone was shot dead across the frontier. But no formal complaint has been filed.”
