BDR carnage: families of imprisoned soldiers place 8-point demands

NN Online: 

The organisation ‘Kara Nirjatita BDR Poribar’ (Families of Imprisoned BDR Members) has called for the retrial of the Pilkhana massacre case, the release of imprisoned former BDR (now BGB) members, and the annulment of all case verdicts, along with six other demands.

During a press conference held at the Zahur Hossain Chowdhury Hall of the National Press Club in Dhaka on Friday, December 13, the families raised their demands and voiced grievances over the alleged injustices. The group accused the “fascist government of Sheikh Hasina” of orchestrating the Pilkhana massacre as part of a calculated plan. They alleged that even after completing their sentences, many imprisoned members continue to be detained and subjected to abuse without trial.

Speakers at the event emphasized the need to identify and prosecute the true perpetrators of the 2009 mutiny, claiming that indiscriminate arrests led to the imprisonment of many innocent individuals.

The families also criticized the previous government’s handling of the incident, referring to it as a premeditated massacre disguised as a mutiny. They pointed out that while 276 accused have secured bail in murder cases, they remain detained under charges related to explosive substances.

The Eight Demands
The organization outlined the following key demands:

1. Withdrawal of “show trial” cases and annulment of verdicts.
2. Immediate release of innocent BDR members who have been imprisoned for 16 years.
3. Retrial of the Pilkhana massacre case.
4. Investigation into custodial deaths of BDR members during interrogation and punishment of those responsible.
5. Reinstatement of jobs for wrongfully dismissed BDR members.
6. Compensation and rehabilitation for affected families of both army and BDR members.
7. Renaming the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) back to its original name, Bangladesh Rifles.
8. Recognition of February 25 and 26 as Shaheed Sena Dibosh (Martyrs’ Army Day).

The families urged the government to address these issues and ensure justice, accountability, and reparations for the victims of the Pilkhana tragedy.