Dhaka: Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday described the 2009 Pilkhana massacre, which claimed the lives of 74 individuals, including 57 army officers, as a dark and shameful chapter in the history of the nation. He emphasized that the massacre aimed to undermine the morale of the Bangladesh Army and the spirit of the entire nation.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Fakhrul, who is also the BNP Secretary General, made these remarks after paying tribute at the graves of the fallen army officers at the Banani Military Graveyard during the observance of ‘Jatiya Shaheed Sena Dibas’ (National Martyred Army Day). He mentioned that there was a deep conspiracy on that day to dismantle the country’s security framework.
Fakhrul expressed gratitude that, by the grace of Allah, the people of Bangladesh had managed to uphold the country’s independence, sovereignty, and democracy. He highlighted that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has a significant opportunity to reinforce independence and sovereignty and to establish democracy by assuming responsibility for governing the state.
During his visit, Fakhrul articulated the BNP’s primary objective of transforming Bangladesh into a democratic state, ensuring equal rights for everyone, and achieving justice through an impartial investigation into the killings. He demanded a thorough and unbiased investigation into the crime to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
Fakhrul also offered prayers for the forgiveness of the martyrs’ souls. The event was attended by several retired military personnel, including Retired Major General Fazle Elahi Akbar, Retired Lt Colonel Kamruzzaman, Retired Major Mizanur Rahman, Retired Major Siddiqur Rahman, and Retired Squadron Leader Zahid Hossain. JAGPA Chairman Khandaker Lutfur Rahman, Rakir Ahmed Bhuiyan, son of former BDR Director General Major General Shakil Ahmed, and BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan were also present.