Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday stated that the 2009 Pilkhana massacre, which resulted in the deaths of 57 army officers, was an attempt to undermine Bangladesh's sovereignty. Addressing a views-exchange meeting with the families of the army officers killed in the BDR carnage, he emphasized the significance of the army as a symbol of national sovereignty. The event took place at the Army Multipurpose Hall in Dhaka Cantonment as part of the Jatiya Shaheed Sena Dibas (National Martyred Army Day) observance.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman highlighted the Bangladesh Army's illustrious history in the War of Independence and its contributions to nation-building post-independence. He remarked that the Pilkhana incident exposed vulnerabilities in the national security framework and stressed the need for modernization in response to global changes. The Prime Minister promised government efforts towards strengthening the national security structure and ensuring long-term protection measures for the families of the martyrs, focusing on education, healthcare, and rehabilitation.
During the meeting, PM Tarique paid tribute to the 74 martyrs, including the 57 army officers, who lost their lives in the brutal events of February 25 and 26, 2009. He prayed for peace for the departed souls and strength for their families, especially during Ramadan. Reflecting on the massacre, he described February 25 as a blood-stained and sorrowful day, leaving a lasting wound in the nation's history.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman expressed his personal connection to the tragedy, noting his military family background, and acknowledged the immense struggles faced by the victims' families in their pursuit of justice over the past 17 years. He emphasized the importance of commemorating the Pilkhana tragedy with state recognition and assured collaboration with the Army and the families to honor the memory of the events.
The Prime Minister reiterated the government's commitment to modernizing the border guarding force, emphasizing its historical significance rooted in the Liberation War. He recounted President Ziaur Rahman's initiatives to strengthen the border force in 1978 and pledged continued support for its development.
The event concluded with an iftar gathering with the martyrs' families. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Chief of Army Staff Waker-Uz-Zaman, and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Director General Maj Gen Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqi also addressed the gathering. Representatives of the slain officers' families expressed their ongoing grief and demanded justice for the massacre.
Prime Minister's wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman, his daughter Zaima Rahman, Defence Adviser retired Brigadier General ATM Shamsul Islam, Navy Chief Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hassan, Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, and Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar were among those present. Jatiya Shaheed Sena Dibas was observed to honor the memories of those killed during the Pilkhana carnage.