Affected Members of BDR Unity-2009 holds a press conference held at the Tofazzal Hossain Manik Miah Hall of the National Press Club on Friday, September 27, 2024.
The Affected Members of BDR Unity-2009 have demanded the reinstatement of innocent BDR personnel who were dismissed following the Pilkhana massacre.
They also called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the premeditated nature of the killings, seeking exemplary punishment for those involved, as well as the release of individuals held for 15 years under explosive laws.
These demands were made during a press conference held at the Tofazzal Hossain Manik Miah Hall of the National Press Club on Friday.
Speaking on behalf of the dismissed BDR members, Saeed Ahmed Khan said: "Those involved in the massacre and its planning should be subjected to a fair and impartial investigation, and all innocent BDR members should be reinstated with all government benefits."
He urged the authorities to expedite the appointment of public prosecutors for those detained under explosive laws for 15 years to secure their bail.
Khan expressed hope that with the formation of a new government, more time should be given for a proper investigation.
He acknowledged the home adviser's announcement to form a committee to re-investigate the Pilkhana incident and welcomed this initiative.
On February 25, 2009, although no incidents occurred outside Dhaka, rumors were spread on February 26 as part of a premeditated plan, suggesting that the army would attack BDR units.
This led to panic among BDR members stationed at various units, who were subsequently arrested en masse and sent to jail under charges of treason.
Due to the inability to prove these charges, the planned massacre was labeled as a BDR rebellion, resulting in mass sentencing by special courts.
Khan concluded by expressing hope that the current government would ensure exemplary punishment for all criminals and conspirators through a fair and impartial investigation, and that the innocent BDR members currently in jail would be released and reinstated with full government benefits.
He also expressed concern regarding a recent human chain organized by a group under the banner of the so-called BDR Welfare Council, which claimed the innocence of 18,520 dismissed BDR members and issued a 30-day ultimatum to the government regarding the imprisoned individuals.
Khan emphasized that they do not morally support these claims.
