Dhaka: The nation is set to observe ‘National Martyred Army Day’ in memory of the army officers who were brutally killed in the Pilkhana carnage about 16 years ago. On February 25 and 26, 2009, derailed soldiers of the then BDR (now BGB) killed 57 army officers, including its Director General Major General Shakil Ahmed, at its headquarters in Pilkhana, plunging the entire nation into a state of shock.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the interim government issued a circular yesterday declaring February 25 as ‘National Martyred Army Day’, marking the first observance of its kind in the country. Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman commented on the significance of the day, describing the massacre as part of an international conspiracy to maintain the Awami League’s hold on power and establish dominance over Bangladesh. He emphasized that the event was a pre-planned murder rather than a rebellion, resulting in the loss of the nation’s brave sons and impacting the foundation of Bangladesh’s sovereignty.
Md Asaduzzaman further alleged that leaders and activists of the Awami League, Chhatra League, and Juba League participated in the brutal carnage by disguising themselves in BDR uniforms. He noted that many masterminds behind the massacre remain at large, and steps have already been taken to bring them to justice. The interim government’s initiative to officially observe the day aims to honor the martyred army officers in the tragic Pilkhana incident.