Patwary slams BGB for 'adopting Indian narrative' on recent BSF border killings
The NCP leader suggested that by adopting these labels, the BGB is failing to uphold the dignity and safety of Bangladeshi citizens
National Citizen Party Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary today (12 May) hit out at the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) for labelling victims of border killings as criminals, describing the force's official stance as a reflection of "Indian narratives".
During a visit to the graves of Morsalin and Nabir Hossain, two Bangladeshis shot dead by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) on 8 May at the Dhajannagar border in Brahmanbaria, Patwary expressed deep resentment over how the BGB handled the aftermath of the incident.
"In the press release issued by the BGB, the people of Bangladesh have been characterised as drug dealers and smugglers," Patwary told journalists. "This is an Indian narrative. We urge the BGB to move away from such language."
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He alleged that the force has lacked its previous strength in dealing with border tensions for over a decade.
"Before the Pilkhana massacre, BSF personnel used to be killed [in retaliation]. After that massacre, the backbone of this force [BGB] was broken," he claimed.
The NCP leader suggested that by adopting these labels, the BGB is failing to uphold the dignity and safety of Bangladeshi citizens.
Before the Pilkhana massacre, BSF personnel used to be killed [in retaliation]. After that massacre, the backbone of this force [BGB] was broken
He argued that instead of justifying the killings by echoing the justifications used by its Indian counterpart, the border guards should prioritise their duty of protecting national interests and the lives of those living in frontier areas.
Patwary's remarks come amid rising public scrutiny over the BGB's role and its perceived inaction in stopping the recurring deaths of Bangladeshi nationals at the hands of the Indian border force.
He also accused the government of completely failing in ensuring the safety of its people, both in the capital and across borders, in all divisions.
"If you are true nationalists [referring to the ruling BNP], protecting the border [should be] your principal duty. If you cannot protect the border, you are fake nationalists and the country is not safe in your hands," he said, adding various remarks about Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman's alleged inaction regarding the border killings.
