Dhaka: The National Independent Inquiry Commission, established to probe the brutal killings during the BDR mutiny, has submitted its report to the government, revealing a shocking organizational involvement of the Awami League (AL) in the massacre. The report describes the incident as pre-planned, with Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, then a Member of Parliament, acting as the principal coordinator under the green signal of the then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Commission, led by Major General (retd) ALM Fazlur Rahman, presented their findings to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guesthouse Jamuna. Other members of the Commission included Major General (retd) Md Jahangir Kabir Talukder, Brigadier General (retd) Md Saidur Rahman Bir Protik, former joint secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad, former DIG Dr M Akbar Ali, Associate Professor Md Shariful Islam from Dhaka University, and Assistant Professor Md Shahnewaz Khan Chandon from Jagannath University.
Fazlur Rahman emphasized the Commission's dedication to fairness, accuracy, and neutrality despite the challenges posed by the 16-year-old incident. Many involved had left the country, and much evidence was destroyed. The Commission undertook extensive witness interviews and collected various investigative reports to ensure comprehensive findings.
The investigation uncovered strong evidence of direct involvement from external forces and the Awami League in the BDR carnage. Jahangir Kabir Talukder, a Commission member, highlighted that the local AL leaders played a role in aiding those involved, allowing a group of 20-25 individuals to enter Pilkhana and emerge with more than 200 people. The massacre, he noted, occurred with the tacit approval of then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Responsibility for the incident was attributed to the government head and the army chief, with the decision made to resolve the issue politically. The police, RAB, and intelligence agencies were criticized for their failure. Furthermore, certain media outlets and journalists were accused of unprofessional conduct during the massacre.
The Commission highlighted the lack of proper records of BDR personnel who met Sheikh Hasina at the State Guesthouse Jamuna during the incident. It recommended measures to prevent similar events in the future and ensure justice for the victims.
Chief Adviser Professor Yunus commended the Commission's efforts, expressing gratitude on behalf of the nation for shedding light on the BDR killings. He emphasized the report's value as a national asset, offering crucial lessons and resolving long-standing questions about the tragic event.
National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Defence and National Solidarity Development Lieutenant General (retd) Abdul Hafiz, and Home Secretary Nasimul Ghani attended the event.