Pilkhana Massacre: Awaiting the revelation of the truth

On February 25 and 26, 2009, shortly after the newly elected Awami League government took office, one of the most heinous massacres in the country's history took place at the headquarters of the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), now known as the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), in Pilkhana, Dhaka. On that day, 74 people, including 57 army officers, were brutally killed. No other incident in history has seen such a large number of military officers murdered in a single event. Even after 16 years, the true motives behind the massacre remain unknown.

After the fall of the Awami League-led government on August 5 last year, the interim government formed a National Independent Investigation Commission to reinvestigate the Pilkhana massacre, led by retired Major General A. L. M. Fazlur Rahman. This commission, formed in December of the previous year, was given three months to uncover the nature and truth behind the incident. As a result, the families of the slain army officers are eagerly awaiting the findings of the investigation.

Meanwhile, to commemorate the tragedy, Bangladesh has officially declared February 25 as "National Martyred Army Officers Day", which will be observed annually starting this year. Although the day has been categorized as a ‘Category G’ observance, victims' families have welcomed this decision. While expressing gratitude to the government, they have also urged full disclosure of the conspiracy behind the massacre and demanded justice for the real perpetrators.

For the families of the slain officers, this year’s observance holds special significance. They argue that the massacre occurred only a few months after the Awami League-led government took office in 2009. The investigation and trials for the incident were conducted under that government’s supervision. However, after the recent political shift, they have finally had the opportunity to publicly express their dissatisfaction with the investigation and judicial process. In response to their demands, and following orders from the High Court, the government formed an independent investigation commission.

The commission has been directed to identify those responsible for failing to prevent the massacre and to include individuals who were previously left out of the legal proceedings, ensuring that all actual perpetrators are brought to justice. Many victims' families believe this creates an opportunity for justice at last.

Faizul Haque, president of the BDR Welfare Association, said, “It is encouraging that a new commission has been formed to investigate, and its head is former BDR Director General Major General (Retd.) A. L. M. Fazlur Rahman. Meanwhile, several BDR personnel, who were wrongfully accused and imprisoned, are now being granted bail. While this is some positive news, the investigation process is still slow. The reality is that even after 16 years, we still don’t know exactly what happened, who was involved, and how. Many rumors persist. We hope the investigation will soon reveal the truth, identify the conspirators, and restore the reputation of the BDR.”

Following the political changes, the families of the slain army officers have formed a new organization called "Shaheed Sena Association" (Martyred Army Officers Association). The main objectives of this organization are to honor the contributions of the martyred officers, preserve their memories, and work for the welfare of the victims' families. The organization also demands that those who orchestrated the massacre from behind the scenes be identified and brought to justice.

Nahrin Ferdous, wife of Colonel Mujibur Haque, who was killed in the Pilkhana massacre and the convener of the Shaheed Sena Association, said, “We had three primary demands: the declaration of National Martyred Army Officers Day, exemplary justice for the perpetrators, and proper recognition of the martyrs. We are pleased that the day has been officially recognized, but justice must also be ensured. Those who were involved directly or indirectly must be brought to justice. Those who fled abroad should be extradited and punished. Special focus should be placed on politicians and military officials who were behind the conspiracy.”

She expressed dissatisfaction with the fact that 178 accused individuals in the case under the Explosive Substances Act were granted bail. However, she also demanded a proper investigation into the deaths of BDR personnel who died while imprisoned.

Previously, Rakin Ahmed Bhuiyan, son of the slain BDR Director General Major General Shakil Ahmed, told the media, “The masterminds behind this massacre are still out of reach. Since the commission is now investigating the incident, these hidden culprits must be exposed to the nation. We have already filed charges against 58 individuals, including then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her security advisor Tariq Siddique, and former Army Chief Moeen U Ahmed, at the International Crimes Tribunal. We demand exemplary punishment for anyone found guilty in the investigation.”

On February 25 and 26, 2009, a mutiny at the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) headquarters in Pilkhana resulted in the brutal killing of 74 people, including 57 army officers.

Following the massacre, two cases were filed—one under murder charges and another under the Explosive Substances Act.

In the Explosive Substances Act case, trials for 834 accused individuals began in 2010. Due to this case, the release of 468 BDR members remained stalled even after they were either acquitted or had served their sentences in the murder case.

In the murder case, trials for 850 accused were completed on November 5, 2013. The verdicts included 152 sentenced to death, 160 sentenced to life imprisonment, 256 sentenced to various prison terms and 278 acquitted.

On November 27, 2017, the High Court upheld the death sentences of 139 convicts, life sentences for 185 convicts, and various prison terms for 228 convicts. A total of 283 individuals were acquitted.

Before the High Court’s ruling, 54 accused individuals had died in prison, including 15 who died earlier.

226 convicts have appealed against the High Court’s verdict.

The state has also filed appeals against the acquittal and reduced sentences of 83 convicts. These appeals are awaiting hearings.

Following the massacre, the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) was rebranded as Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). The organization underwent structural reforms, including changes to its uniform and operational framework, aiming to restore its reputation and strengthen national border security.