Staff Reporter :
During the fascist regime, basic rights, freedom of speech, diversity of opinion, and the dignity of conscientious individuals were virtually imprisoned, speakers said in a discussion on Saturday.
They said, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, mass murders, rampant corruption, and injustice became everyday occurrences. Among all institutions, the armed forces arguably suffered the most.
In the BDR massacre, 57 patriotic officers were martyred. Many others faced abductions, killings, imprisonment, and torture. Countless officers were arbitrarily dismissed, with their civilian lives further disrupted by surveillance and harassment from intelligence agencies. These honest, patriotic officers endured immense hardship, humiliation, and insecurity in the battle for survival after losing their jobs. Only the victims truly understand the pain.
Following the fall of the dictatorship through the people’s July Revolution, there was renewed hope. It was believed that the victims of past injustice within the armed forces would finally receive justice. Many officers submitted appeals for fair treatment through their respective forces and the Defense Secretary to the Honorable Chief Adviser. While dismissed personnel from the police and civil services were reinstated or compensated, justice continues to elude armed forces victims.
Shockingly, a prominent leader of the July Revolution-an honest and patriotic officer-was declared persona non grata (PNG) in all military institutions on July 1, 2025. This was for speaking out against injustice and demanding accountability for disappearances, killings, and other crimes.
In this context, Nexus Defense & Justice organized a discussion titled “The Red July Revolution vs. the Armed Forces: Dismissals, Forced Retirement & the PNG Syndrome Amid Impunity” at the National Press Club in Dhaka.
Presiding over the event was Brigadier General Mohammad Hasan Nasir (Retd), President of Nexus Defense & Justice. Chief guest was security analyst Prof. Dr. Hasanuzzaman Chowdhury. Online speakers included Prof. Taj Hashmi, journalist Dr. Kanak Sarwar, Col. Mostafizur Rahman, Maj. Syed Ziaul Haque (Dismissed), and Squadron Leader Wahidun Nabi. Other notable attendees included diplomats, retired officers, and victims’ families.
The following demands were raised: Proper compensation and rehabilitation for officers unjustly dismissed, imprisoned, or tortured between 2009 and 2024.
Accountability for those responsible for disappearances, torture, killings, and unlawful dismissals.
An end to the PNG system, which has no legal basis in any civil or military law in Bangladesh or any other civilized country. All existing PNG declarations should be withdrawn and perpetrators held accountable.
Formation of an independent Defense Commission to ensure a professional, patriotic, and effective armed force for safeguarding national sovereignty.
Justice and rehabilitation for Major Zia, an honest officer falsely accused of plotting a coup and forced into exile.
Recognition of the Red July Revolution as a proud historic achievement. The unjust treatment of a July Revolution leader, including denial of medical care at CMH, must be addressed through legal action.
A memorandum addressing these demands will be submitted to the Chief Adviser. The sacrifices and struggles behind the success of the July Revolution must not go in vain.
Nexus Defense & Justice is a premier policy research organization committed to enhancing decision-making in Bangladesh’s security sector through evidence-based analysis and inclusive dialogue, focusing on defense reform and national stability.
