The 12th death anniversary of FelaniKhatun is observed at her native village at Kolonitary under Rankhana union of Nageswariupazila in Kurigram district at noon on January 07(Today).

Her father Nurul Islam told this correspondent over mobile phone that after Johor prayer a MiladMahfil,Doa and pray fateha near the grave (koborJearot) of Felani. At the end of Doa,feedings have been served among poor and distressed persons.

Felani, an adolescent Bangladeshi girl who was shot dead by Indian Border Security Force (BSF) on January 7, 2011.

On the day of the incident, Nurul Islam along with his daughter Felani was trying to come home to Bangladesh from India through the Anantapur border in Phulbariupazila of Kurigram by crossing the barbed wire fences.

Although Nurul Islam managed to cross the fence, his daughter couldn’t do it quickly enough. While crossing, Felani’s dress got stuck in the barbed wire of the border. Panic-stricken, she started screaming as BSF opened fire on her. After she was shot, she begged for water till her death but nobody could reach her due to fear of being shot by BSF.

After remaining hanging for four and a half hours from the border fence, her body was taken away by BSF. It was handed over to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) 30 hours after the incident.

A picture of her upside-down body hanging from the barbed wire fence on the border was picked up by the international media and triggered an outcry along with raising questions on border security in the area.

A special trial at General Security Forces Court found Amiya “not guilty” of the brutal murder.

Felani’s father Nurul Islam told that he is yet to get justice for his daughter and he is optimistic about getting justice from the Supreme Court of India.

Felani’s father Nur Islam along with his family was living in India’s Assam at that time where he used to run a small tea stall.

Family members, relatives and villagers of DakshinRamkhanaColonetari village, bordering Ramkhana union in Nageshwariupazila of Kurigram still cry for Felani.

Felani’s father Nurul Islam cannot forget the scene of his daughter being shot dead in front of his eyes. He cannot manage to sleep well at night to this day.

“We were supposed to get compensation but we didn’t yet. We can’t even get a fair trial for our daughter’s murder. We don’t know if we will get justice for killing our daughter,” he said.

Felani’s mother Jahanara Begum said Felani was their eldest child.The marriage of Felani was settled in Bangladesh, said her family.

“She was a beautiful girl. She was very interested in household works. Our family is still full of emptiness. Our daughter’s dream was to get married and start a family of her own but her dream was taken away by the BSF. We are still waiting for justice,” said Jahanara.

Felani left behind five siblings. Her younger sister MalekaKhatun is married. Brother Jahan Uddin, Arfan Ali, Akkas Ali and youngest sister Kajoli Akhter are studying.