Probe body on BDR carnage within 5 working days: Jahangir

An investigation committee to probe the BDR carnage at Pilkhana will be formed within the next five working days, Home Affairs Adviser Major General (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury announced on Tuesday.

Speaking at a press conference at the Secretariat, he said the committee would include retired justices, administrative officials, police officers, and armed forces personnel.

He said that the interim government is committed to re-investigating the BDR carnage and ensuring justice. Since the formation of the interim government, the Ministry of Home Affairs has been working on this issue. As the adviser responsible for the ministry, I have been vocal from the beginning about re-investigating the BDR massacre and ensuring justice, and I remain committed to it.

"On 2nd September, I first announced this at the Ministry of Home Affairs, and again on 4th November during a visit to the BGB Headquarters, which was reported in various print, electronic, and online media."

The adviser stated that not only as the responsible adviser for the Ministry of Home Affairs but also as a common citizen and a former member of the army, he has been demanding justice for the BDR carnage from the very beginning.

He said that the current interim government is determined to establish a society and state free from discrimination, ensuring people's rights, good governance, and justice.

Jahangir Alam said, "I am now announcing for everyone's information – an investigation committee will be formed within the next five working days to ensure justice for the BDR massacre."

He said that the committee will include retired judges, civil service officials, retired armed forces personnel, and retired police officers. The exact number of members has not been determined yet. It could be five, seven, or even nine, but the number of armed forces personnel will likely be higher.

The adviser stated that after receiving the names of the committee members, they will discuss with them and announce the timeframe within which the committee will submit its report. The scope of the committee's work will be determined during the discussions.

Regarding whether the body will be a committee or a commission, the adviser said, "It could also be a commission, as there is not much difference between forming a committee and a commission."

Jahangir Alam further mentioned that the committee will be led by the most senior member.

Regarding some confusion over the formation of the investigation committee with the Ministry of Law, he clarified, “There is no confusion with the Ministry of Law. When we sit down, we will also consult with the law adviser and take his opinion, and if necessary, we will consult again.”