Pilkhana carnage: Home minister rules out new probe commission, vows justice

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said the BNP government will not form any new investigation commission over the 2009 Pilkhana carnage; instead, the recommendations in the report of the commission formed by the interim government will be implemented.

While speaking to journalists after placing wreaths at Banani Military Graveyard on the occasion of National Martyred Army Day today (25 February), the minister assured the nation that proper justice would be ensured in the Pilkhana tragedy. 

"Fair justice will be delivered. We will take all necessary steps to ensure that such incidents do not occur again in our national life," he said.

The minister said, "During the interim government's tenure, an independent investigation commission had been formed to look into the killings. The commission submitted its report, but no significant initiative was taken to implement it at that time."

"A few days ago, without reviewing the full report, I made some remarks. Today I would like to correct those.

"The current government will not form any new investigation commission over the Pilkhana tragedy, as an independent commission comprising competent and qualified individuals had already been constituted," Salahuddin continued.

"The commission made around 70 recommendations, many of which are under implementation. Of the cases under trial, some are at the appeal stage and some are at the Appellate Division. The judicial process will be completed. The remaining recommendations will be implemented in phases," Salahuddin added.

He described the incident as a threat to Bangladesh's independence and sovereignty and said it was aimed at weakening the Bangladesh Army.

"Such intentions could only belong to those who do not believe in Bangladesh's independence and sovereignty and who want to see the country as a weak state," he added.

Salahuddin concluded by saying that those who sacrificed their lives to protect the country's independence and sovereignty will be remembered forever.

This morning, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid tribute to the martyrs of the 25 February 2009 BDR headquarters massacre at Pilkhana.

During the tribute ceremony at the military cemetery in Banani, the home minister, chiefs of the three services, family members of the martyrs, and senior officials of the army and Border Guard Bangladesh were present.

The president and the prime minister placed floral wreaths at the graves of the martyrs. A special prayer was later offered seeking eternal peace for the departed souls.