Bangladeshi fisherman dies after alleged BSF torture at Chapainawabganj border

A Bangladeshi man named Barikul Islam has reportedly died after being captured and tortured by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) while fishing near the Chapainawabganj border. 

The incident took place on Thursday night on the Indian side of the Raghunathpur border in Shibganj upazila, as confirmed by the victim’s family and local representatives.

Barikul, a resident of Namojagannathpur in the Durlovpur Union of Shibganj, went fishing in the Padma River near the border along with a few others. 

His brother, Shumon Ali, shared that Barikul was detained by BSF members during the fishing trip. 

The family later learned from relatives in India that Barikul had died due to the torture inflicted on him by BSF personnel.

"The BSF members hit Barikul with sticks on different parts of his body, including his head. He died on the spot because of these injuries," said Shumon Ali.

Muhammad Azam Ali, the chairman of Durlovpur Union Parishad, confirmed that Barikul‍‍`s death occurred on the Indian side of the border and that an autopsy was conducted in an Indian hospital. 

"We are in contact with BGB and the authorities, and are working to bring his body back," he stated.

However, local authorities and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have yet to officially verify the incident. Shibganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Azhar Ali remarked, 

"A local representative informed me about the situation, but we haven‍‍`t received any formal information from the government."

Lieutenant Colonel Md. Monir-uz-Zaman, commanding officer of the 53rd Battalion of Chapainawabganj BGB, added, 

"We haven‍‍`t received confirmed reports about the death of a Bangladeshi national. We are trying to gather details. Once we have credible information, we will inform everyone."

This incident raises concerns over cross-border violence and the treatment of individuals near the sensitive border areas, especially fishermen who depend on river waters that straddle both countries.