Two Young Men Shot Dead At Sylhet Border

A tragic incident unfolded on Friday, 19 December, at the Sylhet border in Companyganj, leaving the local community in shock and mourning. Two young Bangladeshi men were fatally shot in the Damdama border area of Uttar Ranikai Union, highlighting the persistent risks faced by residents near the border. The victims have been identified as Ashiqur, aged 19, son of Buran Uddin from East Turung village, and Moshaid, aged 22, son of the late Rob Mia from the same village.

According to sources from the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and local police, Ashiqur was shot by Indian Khasi tribesmen while collecting timber in Parihat, located approximately 600 yards inside Indian territory from the 2nd sub-pillar of Damdama 1260 main pillar. His family promptly recovered his body and brought it back to Bangladesh, where it has been placed at the Companyganj Upazila Health Complex.

At the same time, Moshaid was shot in the nearby Radone area on the Indian side of the border. His body currently remains in the custody of the Border Security Force (BSF) at Toka Camp, India. Officials from the camp reportedly informed the BGB via mobile phone that “one of your men has died.”

The Officer-in-Charge of Companyganj Police, Shafikul Islam, confirmed to BanglaNews that both youths were killed by gunfire across the border. While Ashiqur’s body has been returned to Bangladesh, negotiations with the BSF are ongoing to secure Moshaid’s body for repatriation.

The incident has cast a pall of grief and fear over the local community. Residents noted that such cross-border incidents and violent confrontations are not uncommon in the area, and they have urged both the local administration and border security forces to exercise heightened vigilance.

Experts have emphasised the urgent need to maintain peace and security along border regions to prevent the loss of innocent lives. They also advise that civilians should avoid entering hazardous zones unnecessarily and exercise extreme caution in areas prone to cross-border tensions.

This tragic event underscores the persistent dangers faced by border communities and the vital importance of continued diplomatic and security measures to safeguard lives.