Once again, a border killing incident has increased tensions over India-Bangladesh relations. It is disheartening to see that this news comes just as Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj leaves Bangladesh with a message of goodwill and friendship between the two countries.
A Bangladeshi citizen was beaten to death by members of the Indian BSF along the Putkhali frontier in Jessore on Saturday. The deceased, Mohammad Sharif, 38, was picked up by BSF members when some traders were herding cattle back into Bangladesh territory early in the morning. Sharif’s dead body was found left on the frontier, bearing numerous marks of the treatment he received.
This is not the first time this has happened. Killings at the border have been happening at an alarming frequency. The nature of these killings are strongly suggestive of the brutality present in the way Indian border officials treat Bangladeshis. There have been repeated negotiations with the Indian government, and in spite of their many assurances, this callous killing of unarmed Bangladeshis continues. We are certain that this is anathema to the Indian government and that they are equally appalled by such actions. But now is the time to take whatever steps are necessary to resolve this serious matter.
In 2011, the Felani killing made headlights and brought these horrific border killings into sharp focus. Three years later, violence on innocent Bangladeshis continue. If the newly formed Indian government is sincere in its desire to repair relations with Bangladesh, it should make it a priority to stop the killings immediately.
