Photo: Collected
Newly appointed BNP Standing Committee member Major (retd) Hafizuddin Ahmed on Saturday (17 August) demanded that the interim government make public the army's probe report into the 2009 BDR (Bangladesh Rifles) massacre, described as a mutiny by the ousted Awami League government.
He voiced this demand while speaking at a discussion organized by the Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal at the Jatiya Press Club, demanding the trial of Sheikh Hasina for ordering the police force to carry out the massacre of students and for banning the Awami League as a terrorist organization.
However, Hafiz lamented that the report from this thorough investigation has yet to be disclosed. "We want the truth-finding report from the probe conducted under his leadership to be made public."
He, however, lamented that the report of this thorough investigation has yet to be disclosed. "We want the truth-finding report from the probe conducted under his leadership to be made public."
He bemoaned that the report of this thorough investigation has yet to be disclosed. "We want the truth-finding report of the probe conducted under his leadership to be made public."
Hafiz, a military officer-turned-politician, said the meritorious and smart army officers were given posting in BDR. “They were brutally killed due to conspiracies by the neighbouring country (India).”
He also criticized the slow progress of the mutiny trial, suggesting that it was moving so slowly that it might not be completed until the Day of Judgment.
The BNP leader called for the establishment of a special tribunal, if necessary, to promptly execute those who were sentenced to death for ensuring peace to the victims' souls.
On February 25, 2009, several hundred Bangladesh Rifles (now BGB) men staged an armed revolt at the Darbar Hall of the force's Pilkhana headquarters during the three-day "BDR Week".
A total of 74 people, including 57 Army officers, were killed in the massacre spread over two days.
Later, an inquiry committee was formed by the army under the leadership of Lt. General Jahangir Alam Chowdhury to investigate the massacre.
He also submitted the investigation report, but the Awami League government did not reveal it.
Hafiz, who was promoted from vice chairman to standing committee member of the BNP on Friday, urged India to make friendship with the people of Bangladesh.
“I would like to say to India, that we are very grateful for your cooperation in our Liberation War. You have fought alongside us during the war but don't try to be the master of this country, don't try to stand against the people," he said.
If BNP comes to power, Hafiz said their party will have friendly relations with India but the neighbouring country should not try to conspire against Bangladesh and its people.
Messenger/Sourov
