Executive Summary

Since 2000, the India-Bangladesh border has become a deadly zone for civilians, particularly for the people of Bangladesh. Over 1,236 Bangladeshi citizens have been killed and 1,145 injured by India's Border Security Force (BSF), with the majority of victims being unarmed civilians, including women and children. These border killings reflect a disturbing violation of international human rights norms and disproportionately affect the most vulnerable populations living in border regions. Despite Bangladesh's protests and calls for restraint, India has continued its aggressive border security policies, including a controversial "shoot-to-kill" policy, justified in the name of curbing illegal migration and smuggling.

This paper argues that Bangladesh must adopt a more assertive, data-driven approach to addressing the crisis. Through a combination of strengthened diplomatic advocacy, non-lethal security measures, and economic cooperation in border regions, Bangladesh can protect its citizens while reducing the root causes of illegal crossings and smuggling. Additionally, this paper explores the broader implications of these border killings on bilateral relations, regional stability, and the geopolitical landscape of South Asia.

I. Introduction: Framing Border Killings as a Human Rights Crisis

The 4,096-kilometer border separating India and Bangladesh has become one of the deadliest international boundaries in the world. The once loosely defined boundary, historically crossed by traders, migrants, and families, has become heavily militarized, resulting in more than 1,200 deaths of Bangladeshi citizens since 2000. Despite strong historical, cultural, and economic ties, the relationship between India and Bangladesh has been marred by frequent violence at the border, which disproportionately impacts the people of Bangladesh.

This paper contends that the ongoing border killings are not only a security issue but a profound human rights crisis. It explores the root causes of the killings—economic desperation, cross-border smuggling, and India's aggressive security policies—and makes the case for Bangladesh to adopt a more proactive and assertive approach to securing justice for its citizens.

This introduction sets the stage for an in-depth analysis of the problem and offers policy recommendations for Bangladesh to take both at the national and international levels. By focusing on the underlying drivers of illegal crossings and human rights violations, Bangladesh can push for reforms that protect its citizens while fostering stronger diplomatic ties with India.

II. The Scope of the Crisis: A Data-Driven Look at Border Killings

2.1. Understanding the Death Toll

Since the year 2000, over 1,200 Bangladeshi citizens have been killed along the India-Bangladesh border by the BSF. The data compiled by Odhikar, Human Rights Watch, and various local human rights organizations reveal a steady stream of deaths, many of which are unnecessary and disproportionate to the threat posed by those crossing the border. A closer look at the data over the last two decades paints a stark picture of the situation.

Number of Deaths at India-Bangladesh Border

2.2. Regional Hotspots of Violence

While the entire India-Bangladesh border is vulnerable to violence, certain regions are particularly prone to deadly encounters. Districts like Satkhira, Dinajpur, and Kurigram in Bangladesh, and Murshidabad in India's West Bengal, have become infamous for frequent civilian deaths. Murshidabad, a significant cattle-smuggling corridor, has witnessed some of the deadliest interactions between the BSF and local villagers.

These regional hotspots highlight the geographical and socio-economic complexities that underpin the border killings. Murshidabad, for example, is a rural area where smuggling networks thrive due to extreme poverty, but it is also an area where people frequently cross the border to visit family or trade goods.

2.3. Demographics of Victims: Who Are the Killed?

A demographic breakdown of victims of border killings reveals a disproportionate impact on specific segments of the population:

• Young Men: The vast majority of victims are men between the ages of 16 and 35, many of whom are farmers, laborers, or small traders. These young men are often driven by economic desperation to cross the border, hoping to find work in India or to engage in small-scale smuggling operations to support their families.
• Unarmed Civilians: In over 85% of the cases analyzed by Human Rights Watch, the victims were unarmed and posed no immediate threat to BSF personnel.
• Women and Children: Although less frequent, women and children have also been caught in the crossfire. In several documented cases, children as young as 12 have been shot while attempting to cross the border for economic reasons or familial reunions.

This data challenges the justification often offered by Indian authorities, who argue that border killings are necessary to protect against smugglers and criminals. The fact that the overwhelming majority of those killed are unarmed civilians underscores the disproportionate use of force by the BSF.

III. The Drivers of Border Killings: Economic and Security Realities

3.1. Poverty and Economic Desperation: The Root of Illegal Migration

Despite Bangladesh’s strong economic growth, poverty remains a significant challenge, particularly in rural and border areas. In districts like Satkhira, Kurigram, and Dinajpur, agricultural productivity is low, and job opportunities are scarce. These factors push thousands of people to cross the border in search of better economic prospects in India, which, despite its own challenges, offers more lucrative work opportunities in sectors such as agriculture and construction.

A survey conducted by BRAC in 2018 showed that 45% of families in border districts of Bangladesh had at least one member who had crossed into India for work at some point. For many, these illegal crossings are a matter of survival, not choice. The porous nature of the border makes it easier for people to cross, but the risk of encountering violent security forces has only grown over time.

The situation is further exacerbated by climate change, which has affected agricultural yields and increased economic pressure on rural populations. Many of those who live in border districts are particularly vulnerable to floods, river erosion, and droughts, leading to migration as a coping mechanism. However, these individuals often fall victim to India's lethal border enforcement policies.

3.2. Smuggling: A Dangerous but Lucrative Trade

Cross-border smuggling is another key driver of violence along the India-Bangladesh border. The most prominent smuggling activity involves cattle. India, particularly in states like West Bengal and Assam, has stringent laws against cattle slaughter due to religious and political sensitivities. In contrast, Bangladesh is a major consumer of cattle, particularly during religious festivals such as Eid-ul-Adha.

The result is a lucrative illegal cattle trade along the border, with networks of smugglers relying on local villagers to transport cattle across the frontier. In 2019, Indian authorities seized more than 60,000 cattle along the border, but many more successfully made it into Bangladesh. The economic rewards for smuggling can be significant for villagers in Bangladesh, many of whom are drawn into the trade out of desperation.

However, this trade comes at a high cost. The BSF, under pressure to clamp down on smuggling, has resorted to increasingly aggressive tactics, including the use of lethal force. In 2020 alone, 85% of the documented deaths along the border were related to smuggling activities, although most of the victims were unarmed and posed little threat to security forces.

3.3. India's shoot-to-kill Policy

India’s BSF is one of the largest border security forces in the world, tasked with protecting a highly porous and difficult-to-monitor border. Given the high levels of cross-border smuggling, illegal migration, and historical tensions, the Indian government has adopted a “shoot-to-kill” policy along its border with Bangladesh.

India defends this policy by arguing that smugglers and criminals often resist arrest, sometimes violently, and that lethal force is necessary to protect the integrity of the border. However, human rights organizations have consistently criticized the policy as being disproportionate to the threat posed, especially when most of those killed are unarmed civilians. The 2010 Human Rights Watch report, "Trigger Happy," documented numerous instances of extrajudicial killings, calling for India to end the use of deadly force against civilians and adopt more proportionate security measures.

The hardline approach of the BSF reflects a broader trend in India’s security policies, particularly under the leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has emphasized national security and territorial integrity in its border regions. This policy, however, comes at a significant humanitarian cost, particularly for Bangladeshis who live in border regions and cross for economic or familial reasons.

IV. Bangladesh’s Diplomatic Response: Weaknesses and Missed Opportunities

4.1. Economic and Geopolitical Dependencies on India

One of the primary reasons for Bangladesh’s muted diplomatic response to the border killings is its economic and geopolitical dependency on India. India is Bangladesh’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching over $10 billion in 2022. Moreover, India has been a key partner in Bangladesh’s infrastructural development and energy security, making it a vital ally in the region.

For the ruling Awami League government, maintaining strong diplomatic and economic ties with India has been a priority. As a result, Bangladesh has often hesitated to take a firm stance against India’s border policies, even when they result in the deaths of its own citizens. The government’s reluctance to escalate tensions can also be attributed to the regional dynamics of South Asia, where India’s influence as a major power cannot be overlooked.

4.2. Political Dynamics within Bangladesh

Internally, the politics of Bangladesh also play a significant role in shaping the country’s response to border killings. The Awami League, under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has traditionally maintained close ties with India, particularly due to India’s support during Bangladesh’s War of Independence in 1971. However, the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has been more vocal in its criticism of India, often using border violence as a rallying point in its broader anti-India stance.

This political dynamic complicates Bangladesh’s ability to address the issue effectively. While opposition parties call for stronger action against India, these calls are often seen as politically motivated rather than genuine human rights concerns. As a result, the Awami League government’s response has been cautious, focusing on diplomatic engagement rather than confrontation.

4.3. Diplomatic Channels and Their Limitations

Bangladesh has raised the issue of border killings in various bilateral forums, including the India-Bangladesh Joint Border Coordination Meetings, which have been held regularly since the early 2000s. These meetings provide a platform for both countries to discuss border security, illegal migration, and human rights concerns. However, these talks have failed to produce meaningful changes in India’s border enforcement policies.

The diplomatic language used in these meetings often emphasizes “restraint” and “cooperation,” but there are rarely concrete commitments or timelines for addressing the issue of civilian deaths. Bangladesh’s diplomatic efforts have largely been reactive, responding to specific incidents rather than advocating for a comprehensive overhaul of India’s border policies.

Furthermore, Bangladesh’s attempts to raise the issue in international forums, such as the United Nations or the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), have yielded limited results. The lack of global attention on the India-Bangladesh border crisis has allowed the issue to remain unresolved for decades.

V. The International Legal and Human Rights Context

5.1. Violations of International Human Rights Law

The continued use of lethal force by the BSF along the India-Bangladesh border raises significant concerns under international human rights law. Several international agreements and conventions explicitly prohibit the use of excessive force, particularly in cases where individuals do not pose an imminent threat.

• United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials (1990): This document clearly outlines that law enforcement officers should, as far as possible, apply non-violent means before resorting to the use of force. Lethal force should only be used when strictly unavoidable to protect life.
• International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR): Article 6 of the ICCPR guarantees the right to life, and states are required to take steps to protect this right. The BSF's actions, particularly its use of lethal force against unarmed civilians, are a clear violation of this principle.

India, as a signatory to both the ICCPR and the Convention Against Torture, has an obligation to ensure that its security forces operate within the bounds of international law. Bangladesh has every right to bring this issue to international bodies and demand accountability for the deaths of its citizens.

5.2. Comparisons with Other International Borders

The India-Bangladesh border is not the only boundary in the world where civilians have been killed in the name of border security. However, the scale and frequency of violence at this border are far higher than in many other international contexts. A comparison with other high-conflict borders provides a broader perspective:

• US-Mexico Border: While the US-Mexico border is often cited as one of the most militarized borders in the world, the number of civilian deaths caused by US border patrol officers is significantly lower than the number of deaths caused by the BSF. Between 2000 and 2023, fewer than 200 civilians were killed at the US-Mexico border, compared to over 1,200 deaths at the India-Bangladesh border.
• Israel-Palestine Border: The Israel-Palestine conflict has seen significant border violence, but even here, the use of lethal force is often subject to international scrutiny and condemnation. In comparison, the India-Bangladesh border killings have received far less attention, allowing the violence to continue unchecked.

VI. Policy Recommendations: A Roadmap for Bangladesh

To protect its citizens and prevent further deaths at the border, Bangladesh must adopt a more proactive and comprehensive policy. The following recommendations offer a multi-faceted approach to addressing the crisis, focusing on diplomatic engagement, technological innovations, and economic cooperation.

6.1. Strengthening Diplomatic Advocacy

Bangladesh must prioritize border killings in its diplomatic relations with India. This includes:

• Increased diplomatic pressure on India to adopt non-lethal border enforcement methods. Bangladesh should leverage its economic and political relationship with India to push for substantive changes in how the BSF operates along the border.
• Bringing the issue to international forums such as the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Bangladesh has the right to pursue international legal remedies to hold India accountable for human rights violations at the border.
• Making human rights a central issue in bilateral trade agreements: As economic ties between the two countries grow, Bangladesh should use trade negotiations as a platform to push for better treatment of its citizens at the border.

6.2. Implementing Non-Lethal Border Technologies

India should be encouraged to adopt non-lethal technologies for monitoring and managing border security. These technologies have proven successful in other conflict-prone borders:

• Drones and surveillance cameras can monitor illegal crossings and smuggling activities without the need for lethal force. Motion sensors and other detection technologies should replace the use of armed patrols in less sensitive areas.
• Non-lethal weapons such as rubber bullets, tear gas, and sound-based deterrents can be used to control situations where border security is threatened without resorting to deadly force.

6.3. Economic Cooperation in Border Regions

Economic development in border areas is key to reducing illegal crossings and smuggling. Both Bangladesh and India can benefit from joint investments in these regions:

• Establish Special Economic Zones (SEZs) along the border to facilitate legal trade and employment opportunities. By creating a formalized structure for cross-border trade, both countries can reduce the need for smuggling.
• Invest in infrastructure development in border districts, including roads, schools, healthcare facilities, and markets, to improve the standard of living and reduce the economic desperation that drives illegal crossings.
• Formalize labor migration agreements: Seasonal labor migration from Bangladesh to India is a long-standing practice. By formalizing this movement through legal channels, both countries can reduce the risks associated with illegal border crossings.

VII. Conclusion: Securing a Just and Peaceful Border

The ongoing killings along the India-Bangladesh border represent a significant human rights crisis that demands immediate action. For too long, the people of Bangladesh, particularly those living in border districts, have suffered the consequences of India’s aggressive border enforcement policies. These deaths are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of human rights violations that must be addressed at the national, bilateral, and international levels.

Bangladesh must adopt a more assertive and data-driven approach to protecting its citizens. By leveraging diplomatic pressure, advocating for international accountability, and pursuing economic cooperation with India, Bangladesh can work toward a future where the border is not a zone of death but a place of peace and prosperity.

The lives of Bangladesh’s citizens are not expendable, and the deaths of over 1,200 people should serve as a call to action for both governments. It is time to transform the border from a line of division into a space of collaboration, security, and respect for human dignity.