Bangladesh honours victims of 2009 Pilkhana massacre

Sixteen years after one of the deadliest military mutinies in Bangladesh’s history, the victims of the 2009 Pilkhana massacre are being remembered on the newly proclaimed "National Martyred Army Day".

The recognition comes after years of appeals from bereaved families who sought official acknowledgment of the atrocities that claimed the lives of 57 army officers.

On Sunday, the government formally declared Feb 25 as National Martyred Army Day.

The announcement set the stage for an official commemoration at the Banani Military Graveyard in Dhaka on Tuesday, where high-ranking officials and grieving families gathered to pay their respects.

At 9:00 am, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus laid wreaths at the graves of the fallen soldiers.

They were followed by Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Army chief Gen Waker-Uz-Zaman, Navy chief Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, and Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, each representing their respective branches.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Border Guard Bangladesh, or BGB, also participated in the ceremony.

Families of the slain officers arrived later to pay floral tributes.

A prayer service was subsequently held in memory of the fallen officers.

 “This day has always been observed, but today is different,” said Jahangir.

 “Now, it has been officially declared as Martyred Army Day. Their families are here, and we are here, to seek forgiveness for their souls.”

In addition to state recognition, victims’ families have long sought justice for their loved ones.

The government recently formed a seven-strong independent investigation commission to review the case, with a report expected within three months.

 “Their two main demands were justice and recognition,” said Jahangir.

 “We have now declared Martyred Army Day, and the investigation commission has been working since Jan 24. They have been given three months, and those found guilty will be brought to justice.”

The long-delayed reinvestigation of the mutiny has reignited questions about lingering legal issues.

Many individuals remain imprisoned due to an unresolved explosives case, despite having completed sentences in a murder case over the incident.

Jahangir acknowledged the complexity of the legal process but said that decisions regarding further legal action would be made by the courts.

He said, “Many of them have been granted bail. If there are more like this, the court will look into it. It is not in our hands.”

When pressed on why it took 15 years to declare Martyred Army Day, Jahangir said, “It is not possible for me to say why it was not declared in the last 15 years."

 “You could have asked this question in the last 15 years. I cannot answer for the last 15 years.”

He continued, “The rate at which you are able to ask questions now, were you able to ask these questions in the last 15 years? You couldn't ask such questions. You are now able to ask any question freely. Some of the events that happened in the last 15 years, you were often unable to discuss them to the media. You wanted to, but you couldn’t publish them. But now you are able to publish them.”

For families of the victims, recognition is only part of the battle.

When asked about the “complaints” of relatives about a proper trial, Jahangir said: “An investigation commission has been formed for this very reason. So that a proper trial can be held. We will take the next action based on their recommendations.”

On Feb 25 and 26, 2009, a mutiny at the then Bangladesh Rifles, or BDR, Headquarters in Dhaka’s Pilkhana led to the brutal killing of 57 army officers.

A total of 74 people were killed in the incident, which caused a stir both nationally and internationally.

The rebellion, which began in the BDR Darbar Hall, ended after a series of events on the following day. During the Pilkhana rebellion, soldiers from different parts of the country also revolted.

Following the mutiny, the border security force was restructured, renamed Border Guard Bangladesh, or BGB, and its uniform was changed.

Although trials were held for those responsible, calls for a fresh investigation emerged after the changeover in government.

In response, the interim government formed a seven-strong probe commission in December.

A complaint has also been filed with the International Crimes Tribunal against deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, former army chief Moeen U Ahmed, and 56 others in connection with the Pilkhana massacre.

 “We asked for nothing more than dignity and a fair trial,” said Rita Rahman Julie, wife of martyr major Mahbubur Rahman.

 “Those who are guilty should come forward so that a fair trial can be held. Now that an investigation commission has been formed, we live in hope.”

Shamima Parveen, widow of martyred major Humayun Haider, echoed the sentiment.

 “One of our demands has been met. Now we wait for the trial. We want those responsible to be identified and held accountable.”