Hindustan Surkhiyan Desk: Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Director General Maj Gen Shafeenul Islam today said the incident of Thakurgaon’s Baharampur village was unexpected.
The BGB chief came up with the remarks while replying to journalists’ queries at Thakurgaon circuit house this noon.
Three people were killed and at least 16 others suffered bullet wounds as BGB men opened fire following a scuffle with locals in Baharampur village on February 12.
“The incident is equally unexpected to the locals and us,” the BGB chief said.
A five-member high-level probe body, headed by Additional Director General of BGB Brig Gen Sajjad Hossain, has been formed to investigate the incident, he said.
Necessary steps will be taken as per the probe report, he assured.
BGB ensures security in the bordering areas stretching 4,427 kilometres, Shafeenul Islam said adding that the force carries out its duties maintaining congenial relations with the people living in the bordering areas.
Asked whether BGB could have handled the situation without opening fire on civilians, he said the investigation will determine what should have been done or why gunshots were fired.
“I can’t make any comment until the investigation is over.”
About the purpose of his visit, he said the purpose of his visit is to know the incident in details. “I have tried to comprehend the fact talking to locals, exchanging views with the district administration and police,” he said.
He also assured of providing assistance to the families of the victims after the completion of the probe.
Asked whether the cases filed against the villagers will be withdrawn, Shafeenul Islam said they have discussed the issue with the district administration and police.
He also said that they do not want to see the repetition such unexpected incident and sought cooperation of all including the community of journalists.
Earlier on February 13, BGB filed two cases against some 275 villagers of Baharampur village in Thakurgaon’s Haripur upazila, including two deceased, in connection with the incident.
During the incident, a BGB patrol team opened fire on locals following a clash over seizure of smuggled cattle, leaving three people dead and 16 others injured.
