Two Bangladeshi youths were reportedly shot and injured by members of India’s Border Security Force (BSF) near the Singhnagar border in Chapainawabganj’s Shibganj upazila early Thursday morning.

The incident happened around 4:00am near pillar 164/5-1S under the Singhnagar Border Outpost (BOP), according to local residents.

The injured are Selim, 25, son of Ariful Islam Hanif of Panditpara in Sahapara, and Sumon, 28, son of Sultan from Munna Para in Tarapur—both under Monakasha Union.

Family members and local sources claim that a group of about 10 people attempted to illegally cross the border into India when BSF personnel from Daulatpur camp of the 71st Battalion opened fire on them. Selim and Sumon were allegedly hit by bullets. Their companions reportedly carried them back to Bangladeshi territory and kept them hidden during the day before admitting them to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital in the afternoon.

However, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has officially confirmed only one injured person. In a message issued around 9:30pm Thursday, Lt Col Fahad Mahmud Rinku, commander of BGB’s 53 Battalion, stated that Selim had sustained gunshot wounds.

According to the BGB official, communication was made with the Daulatpur BSF camp through Singhnagar BOP, but the BSF denied opening fire.

An investigation into the incident is underway.

MSK/