A Correspondent:
Noakhali: Two Bangladeshis were killed by members of the Khasi community in India near border pillar number 1253 in Companiganj on Sunday evening. More than 24 hours later though, their bodies have not been handed over.
The deceased were identified as Ali Hossain (30) and Kawser Ahmed (32), both residents of Kalibari village in the same upazila.
Local sources reported that Ali Hossain, Kawser Ahmed, and Nabi Hossain had illegally crossed into India on Sunday to bring back goods. By 3pm, news arrived that Ali and Kawser had been shot dead by the Khasi tribe. Shortly afterwards, Nabi Hossain returned severely injured.
Md. Faizur Rahman, chairman of the Uttar Ranikhai Union Parishad, stated that due to the proximity of local residents’ homes to the border, it is common for them to cross into India to collect wood. Ali Hoss-ain and Kawser may have gone there for the same reason.
On Monday afternoon, Companiganj police confirmed that flag meetings between senior officials of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Border Security Force (BSF) of India were ongoing to repatri-ate the bodies.
Golam Dastagir Ahmed, officer-in-charge (OC)of Companiganj police station, stated on Monday after-noon that the bodies of the two youths are still in India. BGB and BSF members are in discussions to bring the bodies back to Bangladesh. The police will proceed with the necessary legal actions after taking the body back.
