Killing by BSF extremely regrettable, clear violation of human rights: Salahuddin

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today (17 June) described the killing of innocent Bangladeshi citizens by Indian Border Security Force (BSF) along the border as deeply unfortunate and a clear violation of human rights.

"The killing of innocent Bangladeshi nationals by the BSF is extremely regrettable and constitutes a clear violation of human rights," he told Parliament.

Responding to a written question from ruling party MP Nilufar Chowdhury Moni (Women Seat-10), the Minister said Bangladesh has consistently protested the use of lethal weapons by the BSF along the border and has continued to press for accountability and compensation through diplomatic and bilateral engagements.

He said the issue has been raised strongly by Bangladesh during border conferences held between the chiefs of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the BSF.

Salahuddin Ahmed said there has been no specific institutional discussion or formal agreement under which the Government of India directly provides financial assistance to the families of Bangladeshis killed in BSF firing incidents along the border.

However, he said Bangladesh has repeatedly voiced strong objections during bilateral meetings to the BSF's practice of using lethal weapons under the pretext of self-defence.

Through these engagements, Bangladesh has also indirectly exerted pressure regarding compensation and accountability for such incidents.

Highlighting the outcomes of discussions between the two countries on border killings, the Minister said Bangladesh's sustained diplomatic and strategic efforts have yielded some positive commitments from the Indian side.

Under continued pressure from Bangladesh, the BSF has on several occasions pledged to refrain from using lethal weapons and instead employ non-lethal means in managing border situations.

He also said that cooperation between the BGB and BSF has been strengthened to reduce border deaths and curb cross-border crimes.

As part of these efforts, night-time joint patrols have been increased in vulnerable and sensitive border areas to enhance surveillance and prevent untoward incidents.

The Minister further informed Parliament that mechanisms have been put in place to address any unexpected border incidents promptly through flag meetings at the company and battalion commander levels.

"Whenever any undesirable incident occurs along the border, local-level flag meetings between the respective commanders are convened swiftly to bring the situation under control and prevent escalation," he said.

Bangladesh has long maintained that the use of deadly force against unarmed civilians along the border is unacceptable and has repeatedly called on India to adopt a policy of zero deaths at the frontier.

2,369 people pushed into Bangladesh by BSF since Aug

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed also told parliament among 2,369 people, pushed into Bangladesh by Indian BSF since 5 August 2024, 2,175 were handed over to respective police stations, 11 were returned to the BSF and 183 were pushed back through border.

Replying to a starred question from lawmaker Mohammad Abdul Malik (Sylhet-3), he also said the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has thwarted 36 attempted push-ins by the BSF following the West Bengal Assembly elections in India.

Responding to a question from MP Md Shamsur Rahman Simul Biswas (Pabna-5), the minister said initiatives have been taken to construct barbed-wire fencing along the Myanmar border to strengthen security and curb border killings, illegal infiltration, drug trafficking, arms smuggling and other transnational crimes.

He said fencing at sensitive points along the Bangladesh-India border is currently under consideration.

Answering a question from reserved-seat MP Nipun Roy Chowdhury, Salahuddin said smuggled goods worth Tk 19.79 billion have been seized from June 2025 to May 2026.

During the period, the BGB conducted 375,519  drives along border areas and recovered 18.38 million Yaba pills, 55,908 bottles of Phensidyl, 18,463 kilograms of cannabis and 106,709 bottles of foreign liquor.

The force also seized 15.577 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as Ice, 2.08 kilograms of cocaine and 62 bottles of LSD. A total of 2,189 suspects were arrested during the drives, he added.

In response to a question from MP Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Iqbal (Kishoreganj-5), the minister said the Department of Narcotics Control conducted 30,744 anti-drug operations nationwide between 17 February and 31 May, filed 9,251 cases and arrested 9,685 drug traffickers.

He said a nationwide special operation against drugs and terrorism has been underway since 1 May following the government directives.

Up to 8 June, law enforcement agencies have arrested 10,865 people in 7,688 drug-related cases and recovered large quantities of narcotics.

The operation also led to the recovery of 125 illegal firearms and the arrest of 269 people in connection with arms-related offences, he added.

Replying to a question from MP A E Sultan Mahmud Babu (Jamalpur-2), Salahuddin said Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has taken various measures to curb juvenile gang activities and ensure public safety in the capital.

He said the DMP's cyber unit has been monitoring Facebook pages, secret groups and TikTok accounts operated by juvenile gangs.

The minister also informed parliament that Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)-2 has conducted 119 anti-mugging drives in Mohammadpur since August 5, 2024 and arrested 252 suspected muggers.

Responding to a question from MP Md Abul Hasnat (Cumilla-4), Salahuddin said the country's 75 prisons have an approved capacity of 45,136 inmates, including 43,107 men and 2,029 women.

However, the current prison population stands at 77,040, comprising 74,963 men and 2,077 women, which is about 1.7 times more than the authorised capacity.

In reply to a question from reserved-seat MP Selina Sultana, he said prisoners receive 50% of the profits generated from the sale of goods produced inside prisons.

Answering a question from reserved-seat MP Arifa Sultana, the minister said the government, along with the Bangladesh Police, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, intelligence agencies and other relevant organisations, is working to block online gambling and betting platforms and protect the public, particularly young people, from their harmful effects.

He said the government has initiated the process of enacting a new law titled the Gambling Prevention Act 2026, replacing the century-old Public Gambling Act of 1867, to curb the spread of online gambling, betting apps and websites across the country.