Breaking through police barricades, protesting dismissed BDR members entered the Secretariat area on Wednesday afternoon to press home their demands.
Earlier, around 12:30pm, Mahin Sarkar, one of the leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, announced a protest program at the Secretariat.
After 1pm, protesters broke through police barricades and lay on the road in front of the Secretariat, wrapped in white cloth.
According to on-site reports, the demonstrators first gathered in front of the Directorate General of Food.
When they tried to enter the Secretariat area, police used water cannons to stop them.
However, despite police efforts, the protesters managed to enter the Secretariat area.
Former BDR members are protesting to push for their demands, which were initially six but have now increased to eight.
They are asking for the reinstatement of dismissed BDR personnel by setting up 18 special courts inside and outside Pilkhana, along with compensation and government benefits.
Additionally, they demand the immediate release of those cleared in murder cases and those who have already completed their sentences, as well as the cancellation of politically motivated cases.
They insist that the commission's rules be changed to ensure independent and fair operations, including the removal of Clause 2(E) from the official notice.
They are also calling for the release of all wrongfully punished BDR members based on an independent investigation.
Furthermore, they demand that the real reason behind the 2009 Pilkhana massacre be revealed and that those responsible be punished.
Seeking justice for all lives lost, the protesters demand justice for the 57 army officers, 10 BDR personnel and a total of 74 individuals killed in the massacre.
They also call for the exact cause of death for each BDR member who died in prison to be disclosed, ensuring that any unnatural deaths are properly investigated and those responsible are punished.
Another major demand is the reinstatement of army officers unfairly dismissed because of the Pilkhana incident.
Additionally, they request a re-examination and correct identification of the remains of all fallen army officers.
The protesters are also pushing for the restoration of the historic name BDR (Bangladesh Rifles), which they say represents the nation's proud history of independence and sovereignty.
Lastly, they call for the declaration of a national day of Remembrance for the victims of the Pilkhana massacre and demand complete security and support for their families.
