N’ganj human chain demands reinstatement of fired BDR

Imtiaz Ahmed, Narayanganj

In a poignant display of protest and plea for justice, former Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) members who were dismissed following the 2009 BDR rebellion held a human chain demonstration in front of the Deputy Commissioner's office in Narayanganj today. The event, which took place at noon, saw the disgruntled veterans delivering a memorandum to Narayanganj District Commissioner Mohammad Mahmudul Haque, outlining their demands for reinstatement and justice.
The demonstrators, many of whom were dismissed in the wake of the Pilkhana massacre, expressed their frustration with the current state of affairs. They claim that the massacre and subsequent dismissals were part of a broader agenda to undermine the BDR and the Bangladesh Army. According to the protestors, 54 BDR members were killed in the name of justice, while 18,520 members were dismissed, leaving many families in dire straits.
The memorandum presented includes seven key demands: The BDR members insist that the events of February 25-26, 2009, be officially termed as planned killings rather than mere rebellion.
They demand the annulment of all special courts set up in response to the incident. The memorandum calls for the reinstatement of all dismissed BDR members, with full benefits. An independent investigation committee should be established to examine the motives behind the Pilkhana massacre and identify those responsible. The protestors seek martyr status for the 74 individuals, including 57 army officers, who died in the Pilkhana incident.
They propose that February 25 be officially declared as Pilkhana Tragedy Day. The list of innocent BDR members tortured and killed in custody post-Pilkhana should be disclosed, and their families provided with housing and compensation.
District Commissioner Mahmudul Haque acknowledged receipt of the memorandum but did not provide immediate comments on the specific demands. The demonstration was led by Narayanganj District BDR Welfare Council Coordinator, former BDR member Md. Shahidul Islam, alongside other notable figures including Sepoys Al Amin, Saidur Rahman, Roni Ahmed, Kazi Sourav, Mrinal, and Shahidul Islam.
The protestors' call for justice reflects the enduring wounds from the Pilkhana massacre, underscoring a deep-seated demand for recognition and redress. As the interim government navigates these sensitive issues, the former BDR members hope for a resolution that will bring long-awaited justice and reinstatement.