Dhaka: President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid homage to the 57 army officers killed during the Pilkhana BDR carnage as the nation observed 'Jatiya Shaheed Sena Dibas' (National Martyred Army Day).
According to United News of Bangladesh, the President placed a wreath at the Banani Military Graveyard around 10:05 am, followed by the Prime Minister. Both leaders stood in solemn silence to honor the officers who perished in the mutiny at the then Bangladesh Rifles headquarters in Dhaka on February 25-26, 2009.
A one-minute silence was observed as a mark of respect, while members of the armed forces presented a state salute. A munajat was offered, seeking eternal peace for the martyred officers and the wellbeing of their families.
The ceremony was attended by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Chief of Army Staff Waker-Uz-Zaman, Chief of Naval Staff M Nazmul Hassan, Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, senior military officers, and relatives of the slain officers.
'Jatiya Shaheed Sena Dibas' commemorates the tragic events of the Pilkhana carnage, where 74 people, including 57 army officers, lost their lives during a mutiny by BDR members. Among the victims was Major General Shakil Ahmed, the then Director General of BDR.
Following a mass uprising that led to the fall of the Awami League government last year, the current administration decided to officially observe this day as 'Jatiya Shaheed Sena Dibas'. In the aftermath of the mutiny, Bangladesh Rifles was renamed Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and the force underwent several changes, including a new uniform.