Border Killings Reach Highest in Five Years, 34 Bangladeshis Killed by BSF

The Chronify

January 5, 2026

2025 Sees a Surge in Border Deaths Amid Tensions

The year 2025 witnessed the highest number of deaths in five years at the India-Bangladesh border, with 34 Bangladeshis killed by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) and Indian citizens, despite India’s previous commitment to reduce such fatalities.

According to a report by the human rights organization Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), 24 of the deaths were caused by gunfire, while 10 others were the result of torture. Previous years saw fewer fatalities: 30 in 2024, 31 in 2023, 23 in 2022, and 18 in 2021.

Additionally, at least 12 Bangladeshis were killed in the Sylhet border area by Indian nationals, particularly members of the Khasi tribe. The ASK report also highlights that 38 other Bangladeshis were shot or tortured, and 14 were abducted by BSF, with only four being returned.

Human rights activist Nasir Uddin Elan noted that border killings have increased during the interim government's tenure and that the current state of India-Bangladesh relations is tense.