No new probe commission for Pilkhana killings: Home Minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has ruled out the formation of a new investigation commission into the Pilkhana killings, emphasising that the recommendations of the existing national commission will be implemented.

He made the remarks after paying tribute at Banani Military Graveyard on the occasion of National Martyred Army Day on Wednesday (February 25).

“Today we observed the Martyred Army Day with state honours. The president and the prime minister were present, alongside family members of the martyrs. Those who laid down their lives to safeguard the country’s independence and sovereignty will remain eternally honoured,” he said.

Referring to the 2009 Pilkhana killings, the home adviser termed it “not only one of Bangladesh’s most heinous tragedies but also among the most brutal incidents in the world.”

"Although a probe committee was formed by the then government to uncover the motives behind the killings, its findings were never made public."

“During the interim administration, a national commission was later constituted, and its report has since been submitted,” he said, alleging that no substantial steps were taken at the time to implement its recommendations.

He noted that the current administration assumed office only recently with a public mandate.

Addressing previous comments he made without reviewing the full report, the minister clarified that the current government will not form a fresh investigation commission. “The interim government had already formed a competent commission. We will complete the ongoing judicial processes in the cases under trial and implement the commission’s recommendations in phases,” he said.

Addressing the families of the victims, he assured them that justice would be guaranteed to prevent any recurrence of such an incident. “There was an attempt to weaken the armed forces through this massacre. Only those who do not believe in the country’s independence and sovereignty could be behind such an act,” he added.