We strongly condemn the killing of another Bangladeshi citizen, Anwar Hossain, at the Panchagarh border by the Border Security Force @BSF_India.
This is not an isolated incident. Since Bangladesh’s independence, BSF has been repeatedly implicated in the killing of unarmed Bangladeshi civilians—acts that starkly contravene international conventions on the right to life and the principles of proportionality in border security measures.
Data from Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) highlights the alarming scale of this violence: between 2009 and 2020, 522 Bangladeshis were killed by BSF, with 324 shot and others tortured to death. Human Rights Watch’s @hrw 2010 report, “Trigger Happy”, underscores a persistent pattern of lethal force, with Indian government sources attributing 347 Bangladeshi and 164 Indian deaths to BSF firing between 2006 and 2010. Shockingly, these killings continue unabated, with 34 recorded in 2023, 23 in 2022, and 18 in 2021. These deaths are often defended with dubious claims of combating smuggling or self-defense, in blatant violation of the 2018 accord, under which India and Bangladesh pledged to avoid lethal force in managing border crossings.
This stark reality undermines claims of friendship between the two nations, particularly during the past 16 years of the Awami regime. Over 300 lives were lost at the border during the 2010s alone, a grim testament to enduring hostility that contradicts the rhetoric of partnership.
The Indian government must take urgent steps to ensure its border forces comply with international human rights standards. Respect for the right to life, proportionality, and humane treatment must underpin all border operations. True friendship between nations can only be built on a foundation of mutual respect, equity, and shared harmony.
This is really, really important work by @RumorScanner . Debunking the rumours about extreme communal, anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh. Yes, following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, there was a law and order vacuum in the country, which was filled with retributive, opportunistic and communal attacks, but nothing like the level set out the false propaganda emanating from Indian social media.
I did an interview on @ndtv and the understanding of the anchor and the other guests was just shocking. Even a former ambassador spoke about protests "spearheaded" by the Jamaat. It was just pure fantasy. It seemed they had taken the most extreme of the Awami League narratives and repeated it.
No more corruption. No more negligence. This is our country, and we will protect it. We will create a future where citizens can thrive in a just and fair society. #EndCorruption#FutureOfBangladesh
This is our moment. Let's seize it. #Bangladesh#NewBeginnings
The 2024 Quota Protest demanding fairness in public sector job allocations led to violent clashes. Our youth faced brutal suppression, but this time, the frustration reached a boiling point. #QuotaReform#YouthVoices
We will build a nation where justice prevails, where the people's voices are heard, and where no leader can escape accountability. This is our solemn commitment, our unwavering promise. #Accountability#JusticeForAll
We are to blame. We have allowed the seeds of corruption and crime to grow unchecked. Our silence and inaction have enabled a monstrous dictatorship to rise unchallenged. It's our fault. If we had protested earlier, the government wouldn't have reached this stage. #Bangladesh
Under Sheikh Hasina's regime, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has been accused of numerous extrajudicial killings. Our failure to act has perpetuated a culture of fear and injustice. #EndExtrajudicialKillings#HumanRights
The 2019 murder of Abrar Fahad for his critical social media posts was a direct attack on freedom of speech. We mourned and protested but did not sustain our demands for systemic change. #JusticeForAbrar#FreedomOfSpeech
The Bangladesh Chhatra League’s repeated violence against students and political opponents has thrived due to our silence. We failed to demand justice and accountability for their crimes. #ChhatraLeague#EndImpunity
In 2018, the peaceful road safety protests were met with violence by the Bangladesh Chhatra League and security forces. We should have stood firmly by the students, but our support was fleeting. #RoadSafety#StudentProtests
The 2014 and 2018 elections were marred by manipulation and unfair practices. Our protests were sporadic and insufficient to bring about reforms, further entrenching the dictatorship. #ElectionIntegrity#Democracy
In 2013, the Shapla Square Massacre saw a brutal crackdown on protesters, resulting in many deaths. Our passivity continued to embolden the regime. #ShaplaSquare#HumanRights
The 2012 murder of journalists Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi remains unresolved. Despite public outcry, our voice wasn't loud enough for a swift resolution. Again, we failed to stand up, and the government grew bolder. #JusticeForJournalists#FreePress
In 2009, the tragic Pilkhana Bloodbath where 57 army officers were killed showed the government’s slow response and possible deeper involvement. Yet, we didn't rise as one to demand justice. This was our first major failure. #Pilkhana#JusticeForAll