A tragic incident occurred on Friday, 19 December, at the Companyganj border in Sylhet, leaving the local community in shock and grief. Two young Bangladeshi men were fatally shot in the Damdama border area of Uttar Ranikai Union. The victims have been identified as Ashiqur, aged 19, son of Buran Uddin from East Turung village, and Moshaid, aged 22, son of the late Rob Mia from the same village.
According to sources from the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and local police, Ashiqur was shot by Indian Khasi tribesmen while collecting timber in Parihat, located approximately 600 yards inside Indian territory from the 2nd sub-pillar of Damdama 1260 main pillar. His family promptly retrieved his body and brought it back to Bangladesh, where it has been placed at the Companyganj Upazila Health Complex.
At the same time, Moshaid was shot in the nearby Radone area on the Indian side of the border. His body currently remains in the custody of the Border Security Force (BSF) at Toka Camp, India. Officials from the camp reportedly informed the BGB via mobile phone, stating, “One of your men has died.”
Shafikul Islam, Officer-in-Charge of Companyganj Police, confirmed to BanglaNews that both youths were killed by gunfire across the border. While Ashiqur’s body has been returned to Bangladesh, negotiations with the BSF are ongoing to secure Moshaid’s repatriation.
The incident has cast a shadow of grief and fear over the local community. Residents noted that such cross-border incidents and violent confrontations are not uncommon in the area, and they have urged local authorities and border security forces to remain vigilant and take preventive measures.
Experts have emphasised the urgent need to maintain peace and security along border regions to prevent the loss of innocent lives. They have also advised civilians to exercise extreme caution, avoiding unnecessary visits to hazardous border zones or participation in risky activities.
This tragic event highlights the persistent dangers faced by communities living near the border and underscores the importance of coordinated security measures, awareness campaigns, and responsible local governance to protect lives and maintain stability.