Since our nation's independence, Bangladesh and India have enjoyed bilateral relations which go beyond that of our two nations' status as neighbours. India has been one of our closest allies whether we are discussing trade or regional cooperation, and that relationship has nowhere to go but up.
However, the only sore spot that has kept an otherwise ideal relationship from truly flourishing has been the violence and heavy-handed behaviour exhibited by India's Border Security Forces (BSF) against Bangladeshi nationals at our bordering area. Earlier this week, members of the BSF have been accused of ruthlessly roughing up two Bangladeshis in Moulvibazar's bordering area.
While the Bangladeshis in question had allegedly found themselves in Indian territory without proper authorization, they were subjected to vicious attacks not once but three times -- first at the local Indian station, then while in police custody, and then finally at the hands of the historically trigger-happy BSF in one of their camps; before finally being thrown back into Bangladeshi territory on Monday.
This is, to put it mildly, unacceptable.
The BSF has a history of violence against Bangladeshis who simply happened to have found themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time, with the murder of 15-year-old Felani Khatun at the hands of the BSF 12 years ago remaining a bloody stain on India's conscience ever since.
The Indian authorities need to rein in BSF and ensure that punitive measures are in order for those who disregard the basic rules and regulations when it comes to dealing with situations such as these. This is not an issue that we can afford to simply move past.
Border violence and killings need to become a thing of the past.