Three Bangladeshi nationals sustained serious injuries after being attacked by a tiger reportedly released by Indian Border Security Force (BSF) in Hatibandha upazila of Lalmonirhat.
The injured were sent to Rangpur Medical College Hospital in critical condition. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon in Amjhol village under Gotamari union of the upazila.
According to local residents, the tiger crossed into Bangladesh from across the border whilst several farmers were working in the fields. In the sudden attack, three persons – identified as Sharifa Begum, Afsar Uddin, and Nazrul Islam – were critically injured.
Locals alleged that the BSF deliberately released the tiger into Bangladesh from a forested area across the border.
Upon receiving the information, members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) reached the spot and opened fire, but were unable to bring the animal under control.
The incident has triggered widespread panic across the border area, though no official statement was immediately available from the BGB.
Dr Al Mamun, a physician on duty at the emergency department of Hatibandha Upazila Health Complex, said two of the victims were in a critical condition and were referred to Rangpur Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment.
Confirming the incident, Monaberul Haque Mona, chairman of Gotamari Union Parishad in Hatibandha upazila, said that local residents along the border remain in a state of panic.
