2 killed in Thakurgaon clash named in BGB case

Two men, killed in a clash with Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) in Thakurgaon district on 12 February, were named in a lawsuit filed by the BGB on 14 February night, reports news agency UNB.

Nayeb Subedar Ziaur Rahman, company commander of Thakurgaon BGB 50 Battalion's Betna border outpost, filed two lawsuits against more than 250 villagers in connection with the clash that left three people dead.

One of the lawsuits accused the three men -- including Nabab Ali and Sadekul Islam killed in BGB firing -- of smuggling cattle from India.

The third accused is Bakua union unit's Swechchhasebak League president Abul Kashem, said Md Amiruzzaman, officer-in-charge of Haripur police station.

The other case specifically named 19 persons for attacks on the BGB troopers. As many as 250 unnamed persons were made accused in the case.

Thakurgaon BGB 50 battalion commanding officer lieutenant colonel Tuhin Mohammad Masud confirmed filing of the cases.

OC Amiruzzaman said the lawsuits accused the villagers of obstructing state law enforcement, attacking BGB troopers, attempting to snatch firearms and damage weapons, trying to kill the border troopers, among others.

"We have accepted the cases," the police officer said. "Further steps will be taken after we get directives from Thakurgaon police superintendent."

Three people were killed and at least 16 others injured after BGB members opened fire during, what the paramilitary force claimed, a clash with cattle smugglers.

One of the victims was 12-year-old Joynal, a Primary School Completion examinee.

The incident took place in Bahrampur village in Haripur upazila.

Fourteen injured villagers were undergoing treatment at Abdur Rahim Medical College Hospital in Dinajpur while another was being treated at Rangpur Medical College Hospital.
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