STATEMENT: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Brutal Killings of Three Bangladeshi Youths by the BSF at Jessore

Paris, France; December 20, 2024: France-based human rights organization, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), strongly condemns the barbaric killing of three Bangladeshi youths –Md. Jahangir, Shahabor Ali, and Sakibur Rahman – who suffered sharp weapon injuries and beatings at the Panchbhulot border in Sharsha upazila, Jessore, on December 18, 2024. This inhumane act, allegedly perpetrated by members of the Indian Border Security Force (BSF), constitutes a grave violation of domestic laws, international treaties, and fundamental human rights principles.

JMBF urges the Government of India to immediately cease such provocative and intrusive behavior and demands that the Government of Bangladesh take effective steps to stop the killing of Bangladeshi citizens by the Indian BSF.

JMBF believes that the killing of unarmed civilians violates Article 21 of the Constitution of India, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, as well as Article 32 of the Constitution of Bangladesh, which similarly protects the right to life.

Furthermore, such acts contravene both nations’ obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which India and Bangladesh are signatories. Article 6 of the ICCPR explicitly protects the inherent right to life and prohibits arbitrary deprivation of life.

In addition, JMBF asserts that the recurring border violence also breaches the principles of the United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials, which mandate that law enforcement officers, including border security personnel, must exercise restraint and use force only when strictly unavoidable to protect life.

JMBF also believes that the actions of the BSF are not only morally reprehensible but also a blatant violation of the 1974 Indo-Bangladesh Land Boundary Agreement, which emphasizes peaceful coexistence and mutual respect at the borders.

Robert Simon, a prominent French human rights activist and Chief Adviser of JMBF stated, "These horrific acts are a stark reminder of the ongoing human rights crisis at the Bangladesh-India border. The continued pattern of extrajudicial killings, despite both nations' obligations under domestic laws and international treaties, reflects a gross failure of accountability. Justice must prevail to uphold the sanctity of human rights."

Advocate Shahanur Islam, Bangladeshi human rights lawyer living in France and Founder President of JMBF, added, "The lives of Jahangir, Shahabor, and Sakibur were brutally taken in a manner that defies law and humanity. Such violence directly contravenes India and Bangladesh's constitutional commitments and international obligations. We demand immediate action by both governments to ensure justice and end these killings. No one should lose their life for crossing an arbitrary border."

Demands for Justice

1. Immediate Investigation:
   We call for a transparent and impartial investigation into the killings, led jointly by Bangladesh and Indian authorities.

2. Accountability:
   The perpetrators of this heinous act must be brought to justice under Indian Penal Code Sections 302 (Punishment for Murder) and 326 (Voluntarily Causing Grievous Hurt with Dangerous Weapons), alongside applicable laws in Bangladesh.

3. International Oversight:
   We urge international human rights organizations, including the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), to monitor the situation and ensure compliance with global human rights standards.

4. Bilateral Commitment:
   India and Bangladesh must strengthen border protocols to prevent further violence, respecting their obligations under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

5. Financial and Psychological Support:
   Ensure psychological support and adequate financial compensation for the families of the victims to help them cope with this tragic loss.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) demands that the Bangladeshi government take urgent diplomatic measures to address this atrocity with Indian authorities. We also call upon the Indian government to ensure that its border security forces adhere strictly to the rule of law and international norms.

JMBF is closely monitoring the situation at the border and stands in solidarity with the families of the victims.

Thank you.

Mosa. Jannatul Ferdaus

Chief Coordinator & Member of the Executive Committee

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)

107 Rue Gallieni, 93000 Bobigny, France

Email: jannatul.ferdaus@jmbf.org 

Website: www.jmbf.org

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JMBF is an independent non-profit, nonpartisan human rights organization registered in France with registration number W931027714 under the association law of 1901, dedicated to defending human rights, fighting for justice, and empowering communities in Bangladesh and beyond.