National Martyred Army Day today

The country is observing National Martyred Army Day Today, February 25, marking 17 years since the tragic events of the Bangladesh Rifles mutiny at Pilkhana in Dhaka.

On February 25–26, 2009, a mutiny at the then Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), now Border Guard Bangladesh, led to one of the deadliest incidents in the country’s history. A total of 74 people were killed, including 57 army officers. Among them was the then Director General of BDR, Shakil Ahmed.

The day is now officially observed as National Martyred Army Day following its state recognition after the fall of the Awami League government last year.

The 2009 incident saw army officers brutally killed inside the BDR headquarters in Pilkhana. Allegations also emerged of attempts to conceal and burn bodies, as well as abuse of victims’ family members. Defense analysts have described the massacre as a major blow to the country’s sovereignty and military morale.

In a message marking the day, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid tribute to the martyrs, saying February 25 remains a painful chapter in the nation’s history. He noted that the day had not been observed with due importance in previous years but has been officially commemorated as Martyred Army Day since 2024.

The prime minister offered prayers for the departed souls and expressed sympathy for the bereaved families. Referring to the ongoing trial over the killings, he said it would not be appropriate to comment in detail on a matter under judicial process. However, he emphasized that activities hostile to the country’s independence and sovereignty had been linked to the massacre, urging citizens to remain vigilant against misinformation.

He further stated that the armed forces symbolize the honor, valor and pride of an independent nation, and called for renewed commitment to prevent any future conspiracy against the military.