A Bangladeshi youth has been killed after reportedly coming under fire from members of the Khasi community across the India–Bangladesh border in Sylhet’s Companiganj upazila, in an incident linked to alleged smuggling activity.
The incident occurred late on Thursday night (10 April) in a forested border area located roughly one kilometre inside Indian territory. The deceased has been identified as 30-year-old Saleh Ahmed Joydhar, a resident of the Karbalar Tuk village in Dayarbazar area under Companiganj upazila.
The matter was confirmed by the commanding officer of the Sylhet Battalion of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB-48), Lieutenant Colonel Md Nazmul Haque. According to BGB officials, Joydhar and two associates had crossed the border around 8:30 pm with the intention of collecting a consignment of illicit goods.
They reportedly entered Indian territory and took position in an area between the Changkhet orchard and Markan orchard. At that time, members of the indigenous Khasi community, who live in the nearby hill tracts, allegedly mistook the group for betel nut thieves and opened fire using shotguns loaded with pellets.
Saleh Ahmed was struck during the firing and died on the spot. His two companions—identified as 25-year-old Nazirgাঁও resident Md Suman Mia and 20-year-old Karbalar Tuk resident Md Masum Ahmed—later carried his body back across the border into Bangladesh.
Border Guard Bangladesh sources stated that all three individuals were reportedly involved in cross-border smuggling activities, including the illegal transportation of goods through the frontier. Authorities emphasised that such movements through unauthorised routes remain highly dangerous due to both terrain and heightened vigilance by local communities and border forces.
A preliminary assessment suggests the Khasi villagers acted under the suspicion of theft, as incidents of betel nut and agricultural produce theft have previously been reported in the border orchards. However, the exact circumstances of the shooting remain under investigation.
Local law enforcement and border authorities are now monitoring the area closely, and further steps are expected following a detailed inquiry into the incident.
Incident Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Saleh Ahmed Joydhar (30) |
| Residence | Karbalar Tuk village, Dayarbazar, Companiganj |
| Date & Time | Thursday, 10 April, around 8:30 pm |
| Location | Approx. 1 km inside Indian border, Sylhet frontier |
| Others involved | Md Suman Mia (25), Md Masum Ahmed (20) |
| Alleged cause | Shotgun fire by Khasi community members |
| Reported activity | Cross-border smuggling attempt |
| Outcome | One fatality, body returned to Bangladesh |
Authorities have reiterated warnings against illegal border crossings and smuggling activities, citing repeated loss of life in similar incidents along the frontier.