On February 25-26, 2009, a massacre at Dhaka’s Pilkhana headquarters of the then Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) left 57 military officers and 17 civilians dead, including the head of the BDR, Major General Shakil Ahmed.
Fifteen years later, the families of the deceased are still seeking justice and transparency, urging the interim government to take decisive action.
At a press conference held on Saturday at Skyline Restaurant in Dhaka’s Mohakhali area, the families of those killed presented a series of demands, calling for the publication of investigation reports and formation of an Inquiry Commission to unearth the truth behind the brutal killings.
The press conference was led by family members who expressed their frustration with the ongoing delays in achieving justice.
Rakin Ahmed, the son of Major General Shakil Ahmed and Naznin Ahmed, both of whom were murdered during the Pilkhana carnage, made accusations against prominent political figures.
“The former prime minister is directly involved in this. There are many call records and instructions that we have heard. Ask the journalists to release those. This was done with the help of foreigners,” Rakin said.
“We do not accept the drama that has been going on for so long in the name of justice. We want the names of those involved to come out through a proper investigation,” he added.
Echoing Rakin’s sentiments, Labi Rahman, the widow of martyr Col Qudrat-e-Rahman, urged journalists to investigate thoroughly, now that press freedom is possible. “There was no freedom then, but now there is. Now you have to name them,” she insisted.
During the press conference, the victim families outlined seven demands directed at the interim government:
1. Reports of all previous investigations conducted to uncover the truth must be made public.
2. According to the High Court Division's verdict, an inquiry commission with three judges must be formed immediately to reveal the conspirators behind the scenes.
3. February 25 must be officially declared as “Martyred Soldiers Day” through an official gazette, and all the deceased must be accorded the honour of martyrs.
4. On February 25, a day of mourning, the national flag must be flown at half-mast throughout the country.
5. The Pilkhana tragedy must be included in the school syllabus.
6. Army officers who were dismissed from service in connection with this incident must be reinstated or adequately compensated.
7. No innocent BDR (Now BGB) soldier should be punished in any way.