BDR members dismissed after 2009 Pilkhana massacre demand reinstatement

Former members of Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), dismissed after the 2009 Pilkhana massacre, have called for their reinstatement and demanded exemplary punishment for those involved in the “premeditated conspiracy” behind the killings. 

The demands were made under the banner of the “64 Districts Affected BDR Unity 2009” at a press conference held in the capital’s National Press Club today (27 September).

During the event, Saeed Ahmed Khan, a dismissed BDR member, read a written statement urging the government to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation into the killings and the conspiracy surrounding the massacre. He also requested that the innocent BDR members be reinstated with all the benefits of their previous employment.

Saeed also called for the release of those imprisoned for over 15 years under the Explosive Substances Act, urging the government to expedite the appointment of public prosecutors to facilitate their bail.

“A new government has recently taken office, and we believe they need more time to conduct a fair investigation. We appreciate the home affairs adviser’s announcement to form a committee to reinvestigate the Pilkhana massacre,” he added.

The dismissed BDR member further elaborated on the events surrounding the massacre, stating that although no incidents occurred outside Dhaka on 25 February 2009, a rumour was spread the following day, 26 February, that the army would attack BDR units. 

“This caused panic among BDR members outside Dhaka. Subsequently, many were arrested on charges of sedition. When sedition charges could not be proven, the massacre was labelled as a ‘BDR mutiny’, and a special court handed down various prison sentences and fines,” he added.

Saeed claimed that through national and international conspiracies, a “proud and disciplined” force like the BDR was systematically destroyed.