Killing of Swarna Das: 7 months on, fear still lingers at Lalarchak border

For the past seven months, farmers in Kulaura upazila of Moulvibazar have stayed away from their land near the Lalarchak border, fearing attacks allegedly by India's Border Security Force (BSF).

Panic still grips the local farming community and neighbouring villages following the death of 14-year-old Swarna Das, who was shot dead on September 1 last year.

"The farmers have stopped cultivating their land, leaving the fields abandoned out of fear of being shot by the BSF. Since Swarna's death, even locals and children no longer roam or play near the border," said Tajul Islam, a former member of Sharifpur union.

During a recent visit to the area, this correspondent saw many fields near the border left overgrown and uncared for.

Lt Col ASM Zakaria, commanding officer of Border Guard Bangladesh (46-BGB Battalion), said, "We maintain strict security vigilance at the border. There is nothing to be afraid of.

Swarna, an eighth-grader at Nirod Bihari High School in Juri upazila, was reportedly shot and killed by BSF members while attempting to cross the border through Lalarchak.

Speaking at her home, Swarna's mother, Sanjita Rani Das, said she and her daughter were on their way to Tripura to visit her brother.

"For the journey, we contacted a broker and paid him Tk 5,000. He assured us a safe passage to Tripura through the Lalarchak border without any official documents," she said.

Swarna was holding my hand. We were inside Bangladeshi territory and heading towards the zero line. Suddenly, a bullet hit her in the back -- while we were still within Bangladesh

— Sanjita Rani Das

"Swarna was holding my hand. We were inside Bangladeshi territory and heading towards the zero line. Suddenly, a bullet hit her in the back -- while we were still within Bangladesh.

"My daughter died on the spot. I somehow managed to drag her body back toward our locality, but I don't remember how -- I lost consciousness."

Sanjita regained consciousness a day later in a hospital bed.

Following the incident, BSF personnel took Swarna's body into Indian territory. It was returned two days later after several flag meetings between BGB and BSF.

While visiting Swarna's school, this newspaper saw that her classmates and teachers had kept her seat empty in remembrance.

"Swarna was an excellent athlete. She won several awards in long jump, high jump, and sprint events over the years," said Alam Bashar, the school's sports teacher.

On Pahela Baishakh, members of the 52 BGB Battalion in Beanibazar gifted the grieving family a high-yielding Fijian cow raised on the BGB's farm. BGB personnel also spent time with the family, offering comfort and solidarity.

Lt Col Md Mehedi Hasan, commanding officer of the battalion, said, "Swarna's death is a deeply tragic incident. We have supported the family from day one and will continue to do so."