Ex-BDR members urge job reinstatement, independent probe into Pilkhana carnage
Today (29 August), at a press conference organised by “Dismissed BDR Members 2009 and BDR Kallyan Parishad” at the National Press Club, these demands were presented, addressing the interim government
Members of erstwhile BDR at a press conference organised by “Dismissed BDR Members 2009 and BDR Kallyan Parishad” at the National Press Club in the capital on 29 August 2024. Photo: Prothom Alo
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Members of erstwhile BDR at a press conference organised by “Dismissed BDR Members 2009 and BDR Kallyan Parishad” at the National Press Club in the capital on 29 August 2024. Photo: Prothom Alo
Members of the erstwhile Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), who were dismissed following the 2009 BDR mutiny, have issued nine demands, including their job reinstatement and an independent committee to probe the Pilkhana massacre.
Today (29 August), at a press conference organised by “Dismissed BDR Members 2009 and BDR Kallyan Parishad” at the National Press Club, these demands were presented, addressing the interim government.
Md Fakhruddin, a sacked junior commissioned officer read a written statement, alleging that the 2009 killings at Pilkhana were part of a well-orchestrated conspiracy by the then fascist government.
He said the government aimed to destroy the Bangladesh Rifles to satisfy their masters, undermine the army’s capabilities, and consolidate power. The incident resulted in the deaths of 74 individuals, including 57 military officers, and the force was later renamed Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).
Fakhruddin further accused the previous government of destroying evidence and killing 54 innocent BDR members in custody under the guise of justice.
“The so-called rebellion was used to dismiss 18,520 BDR members and impose various punishments. Thousands of former BDR members and their families are reportedly living in dire conditions,” he said.
The demands are reclassifying the 25-26 February 2009 Pilkhana killings from a so-called rebellion to a premeditated massacre, abolishing all farcical special courts established by an executive order, reinstating all dismissed BDR members with due benefits, forming an independent investigation committee to identify the motives and culprits behind the Pilkhana killings, as per the High Court observations.
The demands also include recognising the 74 deceased, including 57 military officers, as martyrs, declaring 25 February as Pilkhana Tragedy Day, publishing a list of innocent BDR members tortured and killed in custody and providing compensation and rehabilitation to their families, identifying and prosecuting law enforcement personnel involved in the killings and releasing BDR members convicted in farcical cases after 16 years within the next 30 days.
