Commission may quiz Hasina in India on BDR massacre
The National Independent Investigation Commission, tasked with probing the 2009 BDR massacre, has announced that it may travel to India to interrogate Sheikh Hasina, provided the Indian government permits such a move.
Speaking at an event held at the RAOWA Club in Dhaka on Monday (January 6), Commission President Major General (retd) ALM Fazlur Rahman said, "If India does not send Sheikh Hasina back to Bangladesh, the commission will seek permission to travel to India to quizz her. The investigation will proceed even if no security or vehicles are provided."
Evidence and impartiality
Fazlur Rahman emphasised that claims about the involvement of domestic or foreign entities in the massacre, including India, must be supported by evidence. "It is not enough to simply say India was involved. Evidence must substantiate such claims. Every piece of evidence, no matter how small, will be given due importance," he said.
The commission head assured the public of maintaining neutrality, acknowledging that much evidence has been lost or destroyed over the past 16 years. "Whatever happens now will be done openly, and the investigation will remain impartial with the cooperation of all," he added.
Timeline and commitment
The commission aims to complete its investigation within three months, though Rahman mentioned that an extension may be requested if necessary. "We have no intention of prolonging the process unnecessarily. Justice must be delivered to everyone affected," he stated.
Martyrs' families demand justice
During the event, Fablia Bushra, the daughter of martyred Lt Col Lutfar Rahman, spoke about the immense brutality of the massacre. "Everyone was killed in the name of army officers. The BDR killings surpassed even the barbarity of Israel 16 years ago. This commission must grasp the scale of that brutality," she said.
She stressed that the BDR massacre is not just a national issue but an international one, calling for an independent and unbiased judicial system to ensure justice.
