Summary:
- A seven-member commission has been formed to investigate the 2009 BDR mutiny, which claimed 74 lives, including 57 army officers.
- The commission was approved by Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus on December 22, 2024, to uncover the root causes of the tragedy.
- The mutiny took place on February 25-26, 2009, at the BDR headquarters in Pilkhana and involved armed rebellion by disgruntled soldiers.
- Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury also pledged legal action against those harassing freedom fighters in Comilla.
Dhaka, Bangladesh — A seven-member commission has been established to investigate the tragic events of the 2009 Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) mutiny, which resulted in the deaths of 74 individuals, including 57 army officers. The announcement was made on Monday, December 23, 2024, by Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury during a medal-awarding ceremony at the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) headquarters in Pilkhana, Dhaka.
The commission’s formation was approved by Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus on Sunday night, December 22, 2024. Its primary objective is to uncover the root causes behind the mutiny and ensure that justice is served for one of the most devastating incidents in Bangladesh’s history.
The mutiny occurred on February 25 and 26, 2009, at the BDR headquarters in Pilkhana, Dhaka. Disgruntled BDR soldiers launched an armed rebellion against their commanding officers, who were deputed from the army. The violence began during a meeting at Darbar Hall and quickly escalated into a bloody massacre. Among the victims were BDR Director General Maj. Gen. Shakil Ahmed and other senior officers. Civilians were also caught in the crossfire as the mutiny spread to other towns and cities.
The rebellion ended after negotiations with government officials led to the surrender of the mutineers. However, the aftermath revealed a grim toll: mass graves were discovered within the headquarters, and bodies were recovered in various states of decomposition. The incident shocked the nation and raised questions about internal grievances within the paramilitary force.
Speaking at Monday’s event, Lt. Gen. Chowdhury emphasized that the commission will work diligently to determine what led to this horrific event. “The true causes behind this brutal and horrific killing must be uncovered,” he stated.
In addition to addressing the mutiny, Lt. Gen. Chowdhury assured that those responsible for harassing freedom fighters in Comilla would also be brought under legal scrutiny. “We will ensure that anyone mistreating our freedom fighters faces justice,” he added.
The BDR mutiny remains a sensitive chapter in Bangladesh’s history. Over the years, multiple investigations have sought to piece together what transpired during those fateful two days in February 2009. While hundreds of BDR personnel were arrested and convicted for their roles in the uprising, questions about potential external influences and motivations have persisted.
This newly formed commission is expected to provide fresh insights into these unresolved issues. Its findings will likely play a crucial role in bringing closure to families of the victims and ensuring accountability for one of Bangladesh’s darkest military tragedies.
The government’s decision to form this investigative body underscores its commitment to transparency and justice while addressing long-standing concerns surrounding this national tragedy.
Source: Daily Inqilab
