Locals of Thakurgaon's Haripur upazila yesterday demanded punishment of the Border Guard Bangladesh members who opened fire during a scuffle with locals on Tuesday, leaving three dead.

They also threatened to launch a tougher movement if their demand was not met.

People from all walks of life formed a human chain, staged demonstrations in Chapdha Bazar area and expressed solidarity with the demand.

Former chairman Abu Taher of Bakua Union Parishad, local teacher Sohel Rana, union unit Awami League general secretary Jahirul Islam, among others, spoke during the demonstrations.

Three people were killed and at least 16 others suffered bullet wounds when members of a BGB patrol team opened fire on locals in Baharampur village following a clash over seizure of smuggled cattle.

Deputy Commissioner KM Kamruzzaman Selim told journalists that the district administration gave Tk 20,000 to each of the victims' families as burial cost.

An inquiry committee has been formed and asked to submit a report quickly, he said, assuring that compensation would be given to the families of the deceased and for the medical expenses of the injured.

Haripur police said the bodies were handed over to the relatives after autopsy. If anyone files a complaint then legal action will be taken after a proper investigation, they added.