The government has declared 25 February as National Martyred Army Day to honor the army officers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the tragic Pilkhana incident.
A notification from the Cabinet Division, issued on Sunday, directs all ministries, divisions, and organizations to observe the day annually. However, it will not be a public holiday.
On 25 February 2009, a group of mutineers from the then Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), now the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), staged an armed rebellion at the Pilkhana Darbar Hall, resulting in the brutal killing of 74 people. Among the victims were 56 army officers, including the then BDR chief, Maj Gen Shakil Ahmed.
This tragic event marks a dark chapter in the nation's history, and the sacrifices of those officers are remembered with deep respect every year.