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A 30-year-old man was killed in firing by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) in the Jhaljhalia area along the Haluaghat border in Mymensingh early Monday, with the force claiming it opened fire in self-defence after coming under attack by suspected smugglers.
The deceased was identified as Noman Mia, son of Alal Uddin of Betkuri village in Bhubankura Union under Haluaghat upazila. He was the leaseholder of Baghaitala local market.
The incident took place in the area under the Telikhali Border Outpost (BOP).
Noman’s younger brother, Abu Raihan, alleged that BGB members were searching for cattle in the area at night. After receiving a phone call, Noman went to Jhaljhalia village, where he was shot during an argument over documents related to the lease of Baghaitala market.
Raihan further alleged that although the shooting occurred around 4:30am, Noman was kept at the scene for nearly three hours. According to the family, they were not allowed to take him to hospital or approach him during that time.
The family said Noman was taken to hospital after 7:00am, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. They believe he might have survived had he received medical attention in time.
In a press release issued around 10:30am on Monday, the Mymensingh Battalion (39 BGB) said a patrol team launched an anti-smuggling operation in Jhaljhalia around 5:45am following a tip-off and seized smuggled goods.
According to the statement, a group of smugglers launched a sudden attack on the patrol team while it was returning with the seized goods. BGB members initially issued verbal warnings and fired warning shots, but the attackers continued their assault, injuring one BGB member.
The force said its members then opened fire in self-defence to protect their lives and government property, during which Noman was hit.
The statement said Noman was taken to Haluaghat Upazila Health Complex, where the on-duty doctor declared him dead. The BGB added that legal proceedings were under way over allegations of obstructing government duties and attacking its personnel.
The incident sparked tension in the area, with local residents blocking a road in Haluaghat demanding justice.
Haluaghat Police Station Officer-in-Charge Jalal Uddin said the death had been confirmed, but the circumstances would become clear after an investigation.