Chairman of the independent inquiry commission into the 2009 BDR massacre, Major General (Retired) ALM Fazlur Rahman, has assured the public that the investigation will be conducted impartially, without influence from any quarters.
He emphasised that the commission's role is to present the truth behind the massacre, including identifying both domestic and international conspiracies involved.
Speaking to journalists following the first meeting of the commission at the 5th Battalion of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) headquarters in Dhaka on Thursday morning (26 December), Fazlur Rahman expressed his commitment to conducting a thorough and unbiased investigation into the massacre, which saw the deaths of several BDR personnel.
"We will not be influenced in any way," he stated.
"This is a national issue. Such an event, with so many people losing their lives in such a short span, has never occurred in the history of our nation. We aim to ensure that the suffering of those affected by the BDR rebellion, including those who were tortured and killed, is fully acknowledged. We will also make sincere efforts to heal these wounds."
Fazlur Rahman also made a special request to the media, urging them to report the commission's findings in a positive light to avoid hindering national objectives.
He further added that the commission had already held its inaugural meeting, discussed operational strategies, and planned to send official communications to the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the provision of necessary facilities, including office space.
The commission's former Director General of the BDR noted that they had already identified key issues and stressed that this commission differs from previous ones.
"We have been tasked with uncovering both domestic and international conspiracies. We have requested additional provisions, including personal and family security, transportation, and administrative facilities," he explained.
"It is essential that the status of the commission's chair be at par with that of an advisor, as this role requires diplomatic discussions with foreign and domestic individuals. We have also requested that the other members of the commission be given the rank of judges of the Supreme Court's Appellate Division. Only then can we proceed with the next stage of interviews and meetings."
Fazlur Rahman further elaborated on the commission’s approach to the judicial process, revealing that they had contacted four domestic and international legal experts.
"We are looking to bring in experts in civil, military, and international law from both within the country and abroad. The inclusion of foreign experts is critical, given that the investigation involves international elements."
Regarding concerns raised over the attempted departure of a former BGB Director General shortly after the commission's formation, Fazlur Rahman remarked that the commission would consult its members to determine if his presence in the country is necessary for the investigation.
"If we believe his stay is vital for the investigation and national interest, we will take the necessary decision."
When asked whether any foreign involvement had been detected in the BDR rebellion, he responded that the commission's priority was to remain neutral.
"We do not wish to name any specific countries at this stage. Our focus is to advance the investigation impartially. However, once conclusive evidence points to any involvement, we will take action accordingly. As the inquiry involves both domestic and international conspiracies, individuals in this country who are part of the investigation may be called to answer," he said.
He also mentioned that after the 5 August revolution, many individuals fled the country.
"We will liaise with the foreign ministries of the countries they have sought refuge in, and if necessary, we will send a team to those countries to gather information," he concluded.
