The death of a 14-year-old Bangladeshi girl found shot near the India-Bangladesh border has raised tensions between the two neighboring countries. Indian border officers reported finding the girl with a gunshot wound during a routine patrol in Tripura state on Sunday. However, Bangladeshi police have accused Indian forces of killing the girl, claiming she was shot in the chest.
The incident comes at a time of heightened political turmoil in Bangladesh following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Protests led by students forced Hasina to flee to India on August 5th. The subsequent instability led to police strikes and widespread mob violence, culminating in the installation of a new interim government headed by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus.
Since Hasina’s departure, Indian security forces have detained or turned back numerous Bangladeshis suspected of attempting to cross the border illegally. Himanta Biswa Sarma, the chief minister of India’s Assam state, confirmed that five more Bangladeshis were apprehended and returned on Thursday. Sarma emphasized India’s commitment to preventing illegal immigration, praising the police for their constant vigilance along the border.
Hasina, currently in self-imposed exile, is facing multiple murder charges stemming from over 100 cases. Several key officials associated with her administration have resigned in the wake of the mass protests. Numerous individuals linked to Hasina, her political party, and her government, including former ministers, judges, journalists, and even a prominent cricketer, are facing legal charges. These individuals have been subjected to attacks, travel restrictions, and even imprisonment.
Human rights groups have condemned these charges, citing concerns over their potential for misuse and the potential for political persecution. The escalating situation between India and Bangladesh raises serious concerns about the future of their relationship, particularly as it relates to border security, human rights, and the ongoing political instability in Bangladesh.
