UNB, Dhaka:

Affected members of the BDR mutiny of 2009 from 64 districts called for the reinstatement of innocent BDR personnel who were dismissed following the tragic events in Pilkhana on February 25-26, 2009.

They made the demands in a press conference held at the Dhaka Press Club on Friday, reports UNB.

The conference emphasised the necessity of a thorough and impartial investigation into those responsible for the killings, as well as the release of individuals who have been detained under the Explosive Substances Act for 15 years without due process.

Saeed Ahmed Khan, a dismissed BDR member, asserted that those accountable for the planned killings must face proper investigation. He stressed the importance of reinstating all innocent BDR members with full government benefits and called for expedited legal support for those unjustly imprisoned.

Khan pointed out that with the formation of a new government, there should be additional time allocated for a fair investigation. He welcomed the home adviser’s announcement regarding the establishment of a committee to re-investigate the Pilkhana incident.

Khan further explained that although no incident occurred outside Dhaka on February 25, 2009, rumours spread on February 26 about attacks on BDR units by the army, causing panic among BDR members in external units. This led to mass arrests under treason charges, with many receiving sentences through special courts despite the lack of evidence for the treason claims. He expressed hope that the current government would ensure justice through proper investigation and release the innocent BDR members while reinstating them with government benefits.

He also raised concerns about the Indian government issuing a red alert at 6am on February 25, three hours before the Pilkhana incident, questioning the motive behind this alert. Despite the chaos, BDR members involved in a meeting at the Jamuna River denied any killings had taken place, leaving the public unaware of the events.

Khan concluded by expressing his disapproval of a recent protest organised by a group claiming to represent the interests of the dismissed BDR members, stating that their demands lack moral support from those truly affected.