Dhaka: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today affirmed that the government is committed to ensuring justice for all members of the Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force who faced discrimination, deprivation, and persecution under the previous administration.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Chief Adviser made these remarks upon receiving a comprehensive report from the committee tasked with reviewing applications from retired and dismissed officers of the armed forces who suffered under the previous government, spanning from 2009 to August 4, 2024. Lieutenant General (retd) Abdul Hafiz, the Committee Chairman and Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Defence and National Solidarity Development, presented the report at the State Guest House Jamuna, with the Chief Adviser's Press Wing announcing the details.
The committee comprised Major General (retd) Muhammad Shams-ul-Huda, Major General (retd) Sheikh Pasha Habib Uddin, Rear Admiral (retd) Muhammad Shafiul Azam, and Air Vice Marshal (retd) Muhammad Shafqat Ali. Professor Yunus expressed his gratitude to the committee members for their professional and objective work in uncovering the truth, which he described as far exceeding initial expectations of minor irregularities.
The report revealed that the committee received 733 applications, with recommendations made for 145 after careful screening. Abdul Hafiz noted the committee's inaugural meeting took place on August 19, 2025, and highlighted that, except for a few exceptional instances, no disciplinary actions or allegations of moral turpitude were documented against the individuals for whom recommendations were made by the respective forces' boards.
The committee's findings included interviews with affected officers and consultations with their commanders and superior officers, confirming various forms of deprivation. Notably, six applicants were victims of enforced disappearance due to political affiliations or alleged involvement in militancy, marking an unprecedented event in Bangladesh's history. Additionally, a retired officer was reportedly murdered in a fabricated "militant drama," with his wife and child imprisoned without trial for six years.
The investigation also spotlighted the repercussions faced by officers who criticized the government's response to the BDR massacre on February 25, 2009. Five officers were tortured following a fabricated assassination attempt case, while others were dismissed from service either falsely or without proper charges during the 1/11 caretaker government period.
Specific cases included officers unfairly dismissed for alleged religious affiliations and a group of officers falsely blamed and dismissed without defense after questioning the then Prime Minister post-massacre. Recommendations were made for 114 Army, 19 Navy, and 12 Air Force officers, suggesting normal retirement, promotions, arrears, and other benefits, with four officers recommended for reinstatement.
Md Ashraf Uddin and Military Secretary to the Chief Adviser Major General Abul Hasnat Mohammad Tariq were also present during the report submission.