On the occasion of National Martyred Army Officers Day, the Chief Adviser of the interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, paid a solemn tribute to the fallen heroes on behalf of the nation. He reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to
ensuring justice for the brutal 2009 Pilkhana massacre, in which 57 army officers and a total of 74 individuals lost their lives.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Chief Adviser said, “As a state, Bangladesh is duty-bound to ensure justice for this atrocity.” He noted that this is the first official observance of National Martyred Army Officers Day, following the government’s recent decision to commemorate February 25 annually in honour of the slain officers.
Remembering the martyred army officers with deep sorrow, Yunus paid his respects and prayed for their departed souls. He also extended his heartfelt condolences to their bereaved families, acknowledging their prolonged wait for justice. “Even after so many years, the families of the victims continue to await justice. For years, the nation has been subjected to confusion regarding this tragedy. But as a state, Bangladesh must ensure fair justice for this brutality. We remain committed to this cause and hope that the nation will stand in solidarity with the families of the martyrs and all those who have suffered,” Yunus stated.
The Chief Adviser emphasised that from now on, February 25 will serve as a moral and emotional reminder of the sacrifice made by the country’s brave soldiers. “This day will remind us of the untimely and tragic loss of courageous individuals who dedicated their lives to the nation. Let their sacrifice inspire us to stay on the right path as a nation. We must ensure that no more lives are lost due to misrule, conspiracy, or arrogance,” he said.
Yunus also underscored the importance of upholding human dignity and ensuring justice, urging the nation to build a future where people can thrive based on merit and equal opportunity.
In his concluding remarks, the Chief Adviser called for a united effort to build a self-reliant and progressive Bangladesh, free from hunger, poverty, and unemployment. “Let Bangladesh be the model for a world free from oppression and suffering. On this solemn day, we pledge to build a just and dignified nation in honour of our martyred soldiers,” he affirmed.
With this solemn declaration, the nation observed the first-ever National Martyred Army Officers Day, vowing never to forget the sacrifice of its fallen heroes.
We must ensure justice for BDR victims CA Yunus
