Two Bangladeshi cattle traders were shot dead by Indian Border Security Force (BSF) along Hatibandha border in Lalmonirhat this morning.

Omar Faruq, officer-in-charge of Hatibandha Police Station, said police with the help of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) recovered the bodies from Bonchauki border in Gotamari upazila.

The bodies of Suruj Islam (18), son of Osman Ali, and Suruj Mia (37), son of Shahjahan Ali -- of Amjhola village in the upazila -- were sent to Lalmonihat Sadar Hospital for autopsy, our Lalmonirhat correspondent reported quoting the OC.

Quoting witnesses, Tapas Chandra, commander of Banchauki BGB Camp, said BSF patrol team of Setai camp in Cooch Behar district of India’s West Bengal opened fire on the duo when they were entering Bangladesh with Indian cattle.

Lt Colonel Tauhidul Alam, commander officer (CO) of Lalmonirhat 15 BGB Battalion, said BGB has sent a letter to BSF protesting the killing of the two Bangladeshis.