Over 300 BDR members released after 16 years
Staff Reporter :
Over 300 members of the former Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) have been released on bail after spending 16 years in prison in connection with the tragic 2009 mutiny at Dhaka’s Pilkhana headquarters. Among them, 178 were freed from Dhaka Central Jail and 126 from Kashimpur Central Jail.
The release process began on Thursday morning, with family members gathering outside the prisons, waiting anxiously to reunite with their loved ones. Starting at 1 PM, the Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj began releasing the freed individuals after completing the necessary legal formalities. The rest of the prisoners are expected to be released gradually, according to jailer AKM Masud.
Outside the Keraniganj prison, an emotional scene unfolded as family members stood with flowers and garlands, eagerly waiting. Tears flowed freely as the released BDR personnel embraced their wives, children, and relatives. The families expressed both joy and relief at the reunion after years of separation.
Speaking to reporters, many of the released individuals expressed sorrow over the lost years. One of them shared, “Sixteen years of our lives were taken from us for no reason. We committed no crime, yet we were unjustly imprisoned all these years. Now that we can finally breathe in the open air, it feels surreal.”
Family members echoed their pain and joy. One woman tearfully remarked, “I never thought I would get my husband back. He was unjustly detained for so long, but today, he’s finally with us again.”
Children of the released personnel were also present, greeting their fathers with garlands and flowers. Some wept as they embraced their fathers, overwhelmed with emotion.
Al-Amin, one of the released BDR members, stated, “We honor those who sacrificed their lives to oppose the autocratic Sheikh Hasina regime. We were unjustly detained for 16 years without cause. While we have regained our freedom, we urge the government to release the remaining brothers who are still wrongfully imprisoned.”
Another released member, speaking while holding his family close, said, “Our lives are over. Sixteen years spent in prison for no fault of ours. But being reunited with our families today is a joy beyond words.”
On February 25-26, 2009, a mutiny erupted at the Border Guard Headquarters in Pilkhana, leading to the brutal killing of 74 people, including 57 army officers. The government responded by renaming the force Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and changing its logo and uniform.
On November 5, 2013, a Dhaka court sentenced 150 BDR members and two civilians to death, while 160 others received life imprisonment. Later, on November 27, 2017, the High Court confirmed the death penalty for 139 out of 152 accused.
The release of these BDR personnel has reignited discussions about the justice system and the aftermath of the mutiny. While some celebrate the reunification of families, others call for further investigations to address claims of wrongful imprisonment.