The nameplate of the newly named ‘Felani Avenue’, a key road stretching from Gulshan-2 to Pragati Sarani in the capital, was unveiled on Tuesday afternoon.

The unveiling ceremony was held with DNCC Administrator Mohammad Azaz in the chair, while Adviser to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Adilur Rahman Khan attended as the chief guest.

Speaking on the occasion, Adilur Rahman Khan said the country’s 180 million people want an end to border killings.

“The brutal killing of Felani is something that must be remembered every day. Through this road, we are reminding the conscience of the world that heinous incidents like border killings continue along Bangladesh’s borders,” he said, adding that the current government is committed to stopping all such killings.

DNCC Administrator Mohammad Azaz said the road named after Felani symbolises a renewed, dignified foreign policy of Bangladesh.

“This road stands as a reminder that Bangladesh can uphold its honour with its head held high. It reflects our resolve to engage with neighbouring and all other countries while safeguarding national dignity,” he said.

Local Government Ministry Secretary Md Rezaul Maksud Zahidi said the killing of Felani was not merely a murder, but a clear violation of human rights. 

“This road will serve as a reminder of that grave human rights violation,” he added.

Earlier, an initiative was taken to rename the important road from Gulshan-2 to Pragati Sarani as ‘Felani Avenue’. The road runs adjacent to the Indian High Commission and has been named in memory of Felani Khatun, a teenage girl killed at the border.

Felani was shot dead by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) on January 7, 2011, at the Anantapur border in Phulbari upazila of Kurigram while returning home from India with her father. After being shot, her body remained hanging on a barbed-wire fence for more than four hours — a scene that sparked widespread outrage at home and abroad and reignited debate over border security.