Hasina gave 'green signal' to BDR killings, Taposh 'key coordinator': Commission

Highlights

• Pilkhana massacre was pre-planned with involvement of the then-AL govt
• Ex-MP Taposh identified as primary coordinator
• Hasina gives "green signal" to facilitate the attack
• Commission alleges India's involvement
• Final report submitted unclassified for public access

The National Independent Investigation Commission, which was formed to reinvestigate the 2009 massacre at the BDR (now BGB) headquarters in Pilkhana, has found that then  prime minister Sheikh Hasina gave the "green signal" to the killings, while lawmaker Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh acted as the key coordinator.

The attack was "planned" and carried out with "collective involvement" of the then-Awami League government, according to the findings of the commission which handed its final report to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus today (30 November).

"The inquiry found strong indications of organisational involvement by Awami League," said the commission's chief Major General (retd) ALM Fazlur Rahman at a press briefing following the handover.

The killings were the result of a premeditated conspiracy aimed at destabilising the country, prolonging Hasina's rule, and weakening both the army and the BDR, he said.

Commission member Major General (retd) Md Jahangir Kabir Talukder, added, "The probe uncovered both external and internal factors behind the incident."

He alleged India was "the principal beneficiary". He said New Delhi had motivations to destabilise Bangladesh, and the inquiry found evidence of Indian involvement. 

Regarding the responsibility for the incident, Jahangir said it lies with the then head of government and the army chief as well. Decision was made to resolve this incident politically, he said, adding, the police, RAB and intelligence agencies failed miserably.

Jahangir added that no proper records were kept of the identities of the BDR personnel who met Hasina during the incident.

He further said a group of 20-25 Awami League men entered Pilkhana during the incident and exited with over 200 people.

Photo: TBS

On the causes of the mutiny, Fazlur Rahman said multiple factors were involved. The so-called "Dal-Bhat" programme and increased BDR duties, while internal discontent within the force and reluctance to integrate with the army further fuelled unrest.

However, the commission chief said the real objective was to destabilise Bangladesh and weaken the BDR, while the focus on the operation and discontent with army officers was used to mask this intent.

The commission member said that during the massacre, some print and electronic media outlets and a few journalists played an "unprofessional role". 

He said the final report is unclassified, making it legally impossible for the government to withhold its contents. "If you want to know the findings, ask the government. Once you receive them, inform the entire nation," he said.

Senior political figures named

At the press conference, Fazlur said the inquiry found direct involvement of "influential political figures". 

Several senior leaders from the then ruling party – the Awami League – appeared in testimonies and records, he added. Those named included Sheikh Selim, Mirza Azam, Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Sahara Khatun.

Former army chief Moeen U Ahmed, chief of DGFI Lt Gen (retd) Molla Fazle Akbar, and Maj Gen (retd) Tariq Ahmed Siddique were also involved, he said.

Links to India

Fazlur said that 921 Indian nationals had entered Bangladesh during that period, of whom 67 remained unaccounted for.

The inquiry chief said the commission recommended Dhaka seek a formal, official explanation from New Delhi, and ask for clarification on the 67 missing Indians. 

He said the commission gathered depositions and video evidence showing several attackers speaking Hindi during coordinated phases of the incident. "Yes, we have supporting information on that," Rahman said, when asked if proof was found.

Evidence destroyed

Commission chief Fazlur noted that much physical evidence from the 16-year-old incident had already been destroyed when the commission began its work. "Many individuals linked to the mutiny had also left the country."

Despite these challenges, he said the investigation was conducted with "maximum professionalism, neutrality, and thoroughness," involving lengthy witness interviews -- some lasting up to eight hours – and collection of previous investigative documents and testimonies.

Fazlur warned that failing to learn from this incident could risk another such incident. "For the country's security, truth and accountability are essential."

Reacting to the commission's statement in a separate message, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus praised the inquiry for breaking "years of national uncertainty and darkness." 

"This work has ended questions that lingered for 16 years," Yunus said. "There are critical lessons in this report. It will remain a valuable national resource."