Over the past decade, at least 296 Bangladeshis have lost their lives in border areas, with the situation showing little sign of improvement.
During this period, 213 Bangladeshis were killed by gunfire from India’s Border Security Force (BSF), while more than 300 others were injured along the border.
According to the annual report of Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), a legal and human rights organization, 34 Bangladeshis were killed by the BSF in 2025 alone. Of them, 24 died from gunshot wounds and 10 as a result of physical torture.
The report, which assesses Bangladesh’s law and order situation, also highlights a persistent pattern of violence along the border. In 2025, 38 Bangladeshis were injured and 14 were abducted during border incidents, of whom four were later returned. ASK notes that the violations largely originated from the Indian side.
Over the past 10 years, border killings have become a grim regularity, with Bangladesh recording the highest number of border-related deaths globally.
In 2024, 30 Bangladeshis were killed at the border—25 by gunfire, four due to physical torture, and one after being chased by BSF personnel. Another 25 people were injured that year, according to ASK.
The death toll in 2023 stood at 31, including 28 deaths from gunshots, one from torture and two from being chased. The number of injured was also 31.
In 2022, at least 23 Bangladeshis were killed—16 by gunfire, four by torture and two after being chased—while 15 others were injured.
Fatalities declined slightly in 2021, with 18 deaths reported. Of them, 16 were shot dead, one died due to torture and another after being chased. That year also saw nine injuries and three abductions.
However, 2020 was among the deadliest years, with 48 deaths recorded. Of these, 42 resulted from gunfire, six from torture and one from being chased. The year also saw 26 injuries and 22 abductions.
In 2019, a total of 43 Bangladeshis were killed—37 by gunfire and six due to torture. During the same year, 48 people were injured and 34 abducted.
In 2018, 14 Bangladeshis lost their lives, including eight from gunshots and six from torture. The year also recorded 15 injuries and 15 abductions.
In 2017, at least 24 people were killed—18 by shootings and six due to torture. A total of 46 Bangladeshis were abducted that year, though 13 were later returned.
In 2016, 31 Bangladeshis were killed, including 23 by gunfire and seven due to torture. Additionally, 39 people were injured and 24 abducted, of whom 20 were eventually repatriated.
Border deaths and violence: At a glance
- 296 Bangladeshis killed along the border over the past decade
- 213 deaths caused by BSF gunfire during the same period
- 2025: 34 killed, 38 injured; 14 abducted (4 later returned)
- Deadliest year: 2020, with 48 deaths
- Common causes of death: Gunshots, physical torture, and being chased
ASK says the data underscores the vulnerability of Bangladeshis living near border areas and highlights a recurring human rights crisis. The organisation has called for stronger diplomatic engagement between Bangladesh and India to prevent further loss of life and ensure civilian safety.
As deaths and injuries continue, questions persist over the effectiveness of border management and the lack of accountability. Rights groups have urged international human rights bodies to take note of the situation, stressing the need for immediate action to protect civilians from ongoing violence and abuse along the border.