The families of the victims of the 2009 Pilkhana carnage have demanded a proper reinvestigation into the tragic incident.
During a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the state guest house Jamuna today (30 December), they reiterated their call for justice and requested that 25 February be declared 'Martyr Army Day.'
In the meeting, the families shared their grief and described how the previous regime of Sheikh Hasina subjected them to psychological oppression and harassment. They alleged that attempts to seek justice were met with inhumane treatment and various forms of intimidation to silence them.
The families also refuted claims by the former government about resettling them in the Dhaka Cantonment’s Moinul Road. “The propaganda about rehabilitating martyr families there is entirely false,” they said, adding that no homes were allocated to any martyr families.
They further highlighted unfulfilled promises such as free education for their children and other support pledges that were never delivered.
Expressing astonishment over the lack of a comprehensive investigation even after so many years, Professor Yunus said, “It’s unbelievable that such a major incident’s details have been kept hidden for so long. I have learned much from you today.”
He assured the families of the government’s commitment to uncovering the truth. “We will use all resources available to gather and disclose all information regarding this incident as quickly as possible. The entire nation witnessed this massacre, and it is our duty to ensure justice on behalf of the people,” he added.
Law Adviser Professor Asif Nazrul, Industry Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Power and Energy Adviser Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan, Adviser Mahfuz Alam, and Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Bhuiyan were present at the meeting.
