Chapainawabganj, Jan 11 (V7N) — Tensions at the Chapainawabganj border heightened early Friday following an incident of gunfire from the Indian side. A Bangladeshi youth, Shahidul Islam, sustained injuries in the chest from the firing allegedly carried out by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF).

The incident occurred around 2 am near the Azmatpur border in Shibganj upazila, approximately 130 yards inside Indian territory from the International 182 main pillar. Shahidul Islam, identified as a resident of Bagichapara village in Shahbazpur Union, is reportedly involved in smuggling activities. He is currently receiving treatment at Rajshahi Medical College (RMC) Hospital.

Lieutenant Colonel Golam Kibria, commander of the 59 BGB Battalion, stated, "The injured individual, Shahidul Islam, was found with a gunshot wound to the chest. At the scene, the BSF reportedly seized 25 bottles of Phensedyl, a sharp knife, and a torchlight. We heard three rounds of gunfire."

Local accounts indicate heightened activity in the area. Morul Islam, a member of Shahbazpur Union Parishad No. 8, reported hearing 8-9 gunshots late at night, noting that smugglers frequently attempt to transport goods through the area, prompting BSF to respond with blank shots or live fire.

The incident follows recent tensions over the BSF’s alleged attempts to construct a barbed wire fence on no-man's land along the Chowka border in Binodpur Union, sparking protests from the Bangladeshi side. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, with tensions at the Chapainawabganj border remaining high.

END/MSS/AJ