AL collectively involved in 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 the attack was "planned" and carried out with "collective involvement" of the then-Awami League government.

The commission chief Major General (retd) ALM Fazlur Rahman, along with other members, submitted the final probe report to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House, Jamuna, today (30 November), according to CA Press Wing.

Fazlur Rahman said, "The inquiry found strong indications of organisational involvement by Awami League in the killings."

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

According to Talukder, the commission found that the mutiny was "pre-planned" and that former MP Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh acted as the "primary coordinator."

He further informed that local Awami League activists played a direct role in shielding those involved, stating, "A group of 20–25 party men entered Pilkhana during the incident and exited with over 200 people."

The report also cites what the commission describes as the "green signal" of the then-prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, as a facilitating factor behind the events.

Talukder further said, "In determining responsibility for the incident, the blame extends from the then-government to the army chief. The decision was made to resolve the matter politically. There were also severe failures on the part of the police, RAB, and intelligence agencies."

He criticised the role of segments of the print and electronic media at the time, calling some of the coverage "unprofessional."

Challenges during investigation

The 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.

After receiving the report, the chief adviser said the nation had long remained "in the dark" about many aspects of the BDR tragedy.

He praised the commission's work, saying the report would help answer long-standing public questions and serve as a "valuable national resource."

The commission also submitted a set of recommendations aimed at preventing similar incidents within security forces and ensuring justice for victims.

National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman, Chief Adviser's Special Assistant for Defence and National Solidarity Development Lt Gen (retd) Abdul Hafiz and Home Secretary Nasimul Ghani were also present at the meeting.

Senior political figures, foreign actors named

Later, speaking at a press briefing in the capital's Science Laboratory area, Fazlur Rahman said the commission's report identified the involvement of Sheikh Hasina; former AL MPs Jahangir Kabir Nanok and Mirza Azam; former chief of Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) Lt Gen (retd) Mollah Fazle Akbar, and Maj Gen (retd) Tariq Ahmed Siddique.

Photo: TBS

According to Fazlur, the commission collected online statements from Jahangir Kabir Nanok and Mirza Azam as part of the investigation.

He claimed that foreign actors, specifically a neighbouring country, were also involved in the carnage with the intent to destabilise Bangladesh. "We mean India, where the deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her cohorts are taking shelter."

Fazlur recommended that the government seek an official explanation from India regarding its alleged role.

The commission chief also confirmed that the current army chief, who served in the 46th Brigade during the incident, testified before the commission.

He further said the final investigation report submitted today was left unclassified, meaning the government would not be able to withhold its contents. "If you want to know the findings, ask the government. Once you receive them, inform the entire nation," he told journalists.