Farmer Injured in Border Clash with BSF at Chapai'ganj

Dr. Shankar K. Biswas, the emergency medical officer and spokesperson at RMCH, confirmed that Habil sustained a gunshot wound to the right side of his back. "The patient was admitted to Ward 2 of the Surgery Department. Initial assessments indicate a bullet lodged in his back, though there may be multiple bullets, which will be confirmed during surgery. Fortunately, his condition remains stable, and he is conscious," Dr. Biswas said.

Habil Uddin, a farmer from Telkupi village in Shibganj Upazila of Chapainawabganj, recounted the events leading to the shooting. He explained that at around 5:30 am, he was irrigating his field using a motor pump near the Bangladesh-India border in dense fog, which severely limited visibility. "Without any warning or signal, BSF personnel suddenly opened fire, hitting me in the back," he told reporters from his hospital bed. Nearby farmers quickly rushed to his aid and ensured his safety.

In response, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) issued a statement outlining their version of events. According to the BGB, at approximately 3:30-3:40 am on January 25, a group of 7-8 Bangladeshi smugglers crossed the Indian border under the cover of heavy fog, roughly 150 yards inside Indian territory. The BSF patrol fired 2-3 rounds targeting the smugglers. When the BGB patrol team arrived at the scene, the smugglers retreated back into Bangladesh.

The BGB's statement also clarified that no Bangladeshi farmers were present within the 5-km border area during the incident. Furthermore, the BGB emphasized that two patrol teams were actively monitoring the area at the time.

Following the shooting, the BGB lodged a formal protest with the BSF during a company-level flag meeting, urging a review of the incident.

As of now, Habil Uddin's condition is stable, and authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.