Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday stated that in a fascism-free Bangladesh, citizens now comprehend the true motives behind the Pilkhana carnage. In a message marking Shaheed Sena Day (Martyred Soldiers’ Day), the Prime Minister emphasized that the trial regarding the Pilkhana killings is ongoing, hence limiting detailed commentary on the matter.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the Prime Minister expressed his belief that it is crucial for all citizens to recognize that actions opposing the nation’s independence and sovereignty were intrinsic to this massacre. He highlighted that misleading narratives were propagated following the incident, aiming to misinform the populace. However, in the current fascism-free environment, the underlying reasons for the Pilkhana carnage have become clear to the people.
The Prime Minister paid homage to the 57 army officers and 17 others who lost their lives in the tragic event at the Pilkhana BDR headquarters on February 25, 2009. He noted that the day was not given due significance in the immediate years following the incident. However, since 2024, after the nation was liberated from fascism, February 25 has been duly observed as Shaheed Sena Day.
On the occasion, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls and conveyed heartfelt condolences to the grieving families. He described the armed forces as an emblem of honour, bravery, and pride for an independent nation and urged for a renewed commitment to prevent any future conspiracies against them. “Today, we must once again reaffirm that pledge with determination,” he stated.
The Prime Minister also called on everyone to remain united against any plots against the country and its citizens, declaring, “We will stand united against any conspiracy that goes against the interests of the country and its people-let this be the resolve of Shaheed Sena Day.”