1. The Killing of Saidul Islam by Indian Border Security Forces (BSF) Gunfire in Sunamganj
JMBF asserts that the tragic killing of Saidul Islam, a 24-year-old Bangladeshi national, by gunfire from the Indian Border Security Forces (BSF) at the Chhinakandi border in Sunamganj on January 8, 2025, represents a profound violation of the right to life, as guaranteed by the Indian Constitution and other international covenants, which protect individuals from arbitrary deprivation of life. Saidul Islam’s death, resulting from a border dispute while allegedly attempting to smuggle goods, should have been handled by lawful means, rather than through the use of deadly force.
JMBF believes that this incident contravenes international human rights law, particularly the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which guarantees the right to life, liberty, and security of person under Article 3, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which India has ratified.
In addition, JMBF contends that the right to life is an inalienable right, and any use of lethal force must comply with the highest standards of necessity, proportionality, and legality. The killing of Saidul Islam raises serious questions about the rules of engagement at the border and the accountability of border security personnel.
2. The Assault on Mohammad Said Uddin and His Family at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by Members of the Airforce Quick Response Force (QRF) and Ansar Personnel
JMBF asserts that the violent attack on Mohammad Said Uddin, a Bangladeshi-origin Norwegian citizen, and his family members at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on January 8, 2024, is an outrageous act of state-sanctioned abuse. Members of the Airforce Quick Response Force (QRF) and Ansar personnel allegedly assaulted Said Uddin, leaving him bloodied and injured.
JMBF believes that this incident of physical violence is an alarming breach of the right to personal security and protection from torture, as enshrined in Article 35 of the Bangladesh Constitution and in international human rights law, including the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT), to which Bangladesh is a party.
JMBF also believes that the excessive use of force by state security personnel against civilians, particularly in a public setting such as an airport, constitutes a violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Article 5, which prohibits torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment, and the ICCPR, Article 9, which protects individuals from arbitrary arrest and detention.
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) is deeply disturbed by the continued occurrence of such violations and calls for the immediate accountability of the personnel involved in this attack.
Urgent Call for Action
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France calls upon the Government of India and Bangladesh to immediately address these incidents and take urgent steps to prevent the recurrence of such egregious human rights violations. We urge the following actions:
The Indian Government must hold accountable those responsible for the killing of Saidul Islam, and the Bangladesh Government must hold accountable those responsible for the assault on Mohammad Said Uddin and his family, ensuring that justice is served through impartial, transparent investigations and legal proceedings.
The governments of Bangladesh and India must establish effective safeguards against the use of excessive force by law enforcement and border security personnel, ensuring compliance with both national laws and international human rights standards.
The Indian and Bangladesh governments should ensure the protection of the right to life, security, and dignity for all citizens and residents, and ensure that all individuals, regardless of their origin, are treated with respect and fairness.
The Indian and Bangladesh governments must ensure adequate physical and psychological integrity, as well as financial compensation, for the victims and their family members for their suffering.
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) is committed to advocating for the protection of human rights and the dignity of individuals in Bangladesh. We call on both the Government of India and Bangladesh, as well as international bodies, to hold accountable those responsible for these atrocities and work towards ensuring a future where such violations are prevented.
Thank you.
i) Bangladeshi Youth Killed by Indian Border Security Forces (BSF) Gunfire in Sunamganj
On the evening of January 8, 2025, a Bangladeshi youth was reportedly killed by gunfire from the Indian Border Security Forces (BSF) at the Chhinakandi border in Bishwambharpur Upazila, Sunamganj.
The deceased youth was identified as Saidul Islam (24), the son of Jainal Abedin, from Gamairatla village, under Dhonpur Union in Bishwambharpur Upazila.
According to local sources, Saidul Islam and several others were attempting to illegally smuggle betel nuts into India from Bangladesh on Wednesday evening. During this time, Saidul was shot. His companions later brought him to Sunamganj Sadar Hospital, where the attending doctor declared him dead.
Dr. Shafiqul Islam, the on-duty doctor at the emergency department of Sunamganj Sadar Hospital, stated, "Saidul Islam was shot in the abdomen."
Some locals mentioned that Saidul had an altercation with the BSF personnel while trying to smuggle the betel nuts across the border.
Lieutenant Colonel AKM Zakaria Kadir, the commanding officer of the 28th Battalion of the BGB in Sunamganj, stated, "Saidul Islam, along with a few others, crossed into India on January 8, 2025, around 5:30 PM with the intention of smuggling betel nuts. Based on local information and intelligence reports, it appears that the BSF shot Saidul."
ii) Bangladeshi-Origin Norwegian Citizen Assaulted by Airforce Quick Response Force (QRF) and Ansar Personnel at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport
According to a source from the airport’s security forces, the assaulted passenger was identified as Mohammad Said Uddin. The other four victims were his father, Gias Uddin; mother, Begum Monowara; brother, Mohammad Mahi Uddin; and Gias Uddin’s daughter-in-law, Ipsa Jannatul Nayeem. All five of them were harassed.
Airport sources reported that the five passengers had traveled from Norway to Dhaka via Doha, Qatar, on Qatar Airways flight QR-638. Their family home is in Sonagazi, Feni.
A source involved in airport security stated that the altercation began when QRF personnel misbehaved with the passengers as they were exiting the terminal. This led to an argument, and at one point, a group of security personnel attacked Said Uddin, leaving him bloodied. As of midnight, when this report was written, the victims were still at the airport.
Attempts were made to contact three senior officials from Aviation Security (AVSEC) for their statements, but they were unreachable.
A video of the incident shows around 10 members of the QRF and Ansar forces surrounding and beating Said Uddin. During the attack, a woman can be heard screaming in an attempt to protect him. Another video shows Said Uddin’s face covered in blood, with injuries visible below his mouth and near his left eye.
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