Border killings must be avoided for the sake of relations: Touhid

Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain emphasised that the ongoing border killings are negatively impacting the relationship between Bangladesh and India. 

He urged that these incidents must be addressed for the sake of both nations.

Speaking to journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday (September 10), Touhid Hossain said following the killing of Bangladeshi teenager Swarna Das by the Indian Border Security Force on September 1, Bangladesh has lodged a formal protest with India regarding the incident, yet such killings persist. 

When asked if Bangladesh would seek further justice if protests remain ineffective, Touhid Hossain responded, "We have intensified the tone of our protests. I'm not sure if you’ve noticed, but that’s what we’re focusing on right now. We do not intend to escalate it beyond that."

The adviser expressed hope that India would take the issue seriously, saying, "This is a very sensitive matter, and we are addressing it at every opportunity. We have clearly stated that those responsible should be held accountable, and we have made our condemnation clear in our communications with India."

Nine days into Swarna's tragic death, another Bangladeshi teenager Jayanta Kumar Singh was killed by BSF gunfire at the Baliadangi border in Thakurgaon on Monday. 

Referring to this incident, Touhid Hossain stated, "We will raise a similar protest against yesterday’s killing. Where there is an opportunity, we will speak up. These border killings are playing a negative role in Bangladesh-India relations, and it is in the interest of both countries to resolve this issue. I’ve not heard anyone saying these actions benefit India either."