BDR carnage: Commission reviews army act violations, political, external links
The National Independent Investigation Commission on the 2009 BDR Carnage is examining political involvement, foreign connections, and violations of the Army Act related to the killings at the former Bangladesh Rifles headquarters in Pilkhana, Dhaka.
The commission, established by the interim government, shared these updates during a press conference held on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at the BRICM building near the Science Laboratory in the capital.
Commission head Major General (Retd) ALM Fazlur Rahman delivered a written statement at the event. He revealed that the commission has recorded testimonies from 37 individuals, including army personnel, regarding the violent events that unfolded at the Pilkhana headquarters on February 25 and 26, 2009.
ALM Fazlur Rahman, who previously served as Director General of the BDR (now the Border Guard Bangladesh, or BGB), outlined the commission’s five key terms of reference.
These include:
1. Investigating the nature of the incident at Pilkhana.
2. Identifying domestic and foreign individuals, groups, organisations, or institutions involved in the murders and other crimes, as well as abettors, conspirators, evidence destroyers, instigators, and others linked to the incident.
3. Pinpointing those responsible for failing to prevent the murders and related crimes.
4. Ensuring that the real perpetrators, who were not previously included in relevant cases, are brought into the investigation process, while preserving the accountability of those already accused in the murder cases.
Among the 37 individuals who have provided testimony so far are three Lieutenant Generals, two Major Generals, five Brigadier Generals, four Colonels, four Lieutenant Colonels, seven Majors, two Captains, seven BDR members, and three family members of martyrs.
Addressing travel restrictions, Fazlur Rahman stated that the commission has requested relevant authorities to impose travel bans on certain individuals. He added that the commission may summon other key figures to testify as needed and urged the public to remain patient. Information about the investigation is accessible via the commission’s website (bdr-commission.org).
Fazlur Rahman acknowledged the challenges facing the investigation, noting that many witnesses and individuals directly involved in the incident have either passed away, gone into hiding, or fled abroad. This could delay or prevent their testimonies in some cases. Additionally, the passage of time has made it difficult for some witnesses to recall precise details, such as dates and specific aspects of the events.
To gather further evidence, the commission plans to reach out to foreign embassies, with a letter already sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Despite the complexities of investigating an incident that occurred 16 years ago, the commission emphasized its commitment to a methodical approach to uncover the truth.
The commission highlighted an encouraging development: many individuals, including officers, have proactively collected and preserved vital evidence despite numerous challenges. This evidence has been submitted to the commission and continues to come in. Rahman praised these contributors, stating that their efforts will help ensure an accurate historical record of the event.
