BDR Carnage: Feb 25 now officially recognised as ‘National Martyred Army Day’
Staff Reporter :
The Bangladesh government has officially designated February 25 as Jatiya Shaheed Sena Dibos (National Martyred Army Day) to commemorate the tragic events of the 2009 BDR mutiny. A notification issued by the Cabinet Division on Sunday formalised the decision, making it an annual observance.
Law adviser Asif Nazrul shared the government notification on his verified Facebook page. Signed by Deputy Secretary Tania Afroz, the notification confirmed that National Martyred Army Day will be classified as a ‘Category C’ observance. All relevant ministries, directorates, and agencies have been instructed to properly mark the day.
On February 25-26, 2009, one of the darkest chapters in Bangladesh’s history unfolded when a mutiny broke out at the Peelkhana headquarters of the then Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), now the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).
The mutiny resulted in the deaths of at least 75 people, including 57 senior army officers. The violent uprising sent shockwaves across the nation and remains a significant event in Bangladesh’s contemporary history.
The declaration of February 25 as National Martyred Army Day comes amid long-standing controversies and allegations surrounding the mutiny.
Family members of the slain army officers, as well as sections of the public, have raised suspicions regarding the role of then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government and the alleged involvement of India in the tragic incident.
Over the years, various theories and speculations have fuelled demands for a further investigation into the circumstances leading up to the massacre.
The government’s decision to recognise the sacrifices of the martyred army officers has been met with mixed reactions. While some see the decision as a necessary tribute to the fallen officers, others argue that the full truth behind the mutiny remains undisclosed.
As Bangladesh prepares to observe National Martyred Army Day for the first time, questions continue to linger over the true motives behind the 2009 BDR mutiny, reinforcing the need for justice and historical clarity.