The fact that two Bangladeshis have been allegedly shot dead by members of the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) along Dolpara border in Hatibandha upazila of Lalmonirhat district this week is, unfortunately, no longer surprising. What it is, however, is saddening and disappointing.
There is no questioning the deep ties and friendship India and Bangladesh share, and have always shared, since our inception as a nation. There is no denying that India's assistance during our Liberation War was the catalyst that helped us become a free nation.
However, despite ties between the two countries remaining as strong as ever, it is disheartening to see just the alarming regularity with which we hear news of some Bangladeshi being shot at along the border by the Indian border securities.
Despite numerous discussions, and past assurances from New Delhi that there will no longer be any further border killings, the fact remains that hundreds of Bangladeshis have been killed along the border over the past two decades, with no clear signs of that number reducing.
While there should be zero tolerance for illegal activity along the borders, Bangladesh can certainly expect India to not simply open fire with no hesitation at mostly innocent civilians.
On the part of India, there can be legitimate questions about whether there is the right political will and intent to stop these border killings, and concerns that the numerous remarks and statements made by Indian leaders may have just been empty promises.
This is an issue that continues to test the friendship that undoubtedly exists between these two nations. We hope that it is an issue that gets resolved as soon as possible, so that both nations may reap the benefits of mutual cooperation.
