Today marks 16 years since the fateful morning of 25 February 2009, when one of the most harrowing massacres in Bangladesh’s history unfolded within the headquarters of the then Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), now Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), in Pilkhana.
In that shocking event, 74 people, including 57 army officers, were brutally murdered during the force’s annual darbar (assembly).
Despite the passage of time, the legal proceedings surrounding the tragedy remain unresolved.
While some perpetrators have been convicted, many remain entangled in legal limbo.
The lack of a final resolution has left both victims’ families yearning for justice and some accused individuals awaiting exoneration.
In a significant recent development, the judiciary has granted bail to 178 accused following the change in government.
Furthermore, the administration has formally recognised 25 February as Jatiya Shaheed Sena Dibash, observing the occasion for the first time this year.
A prolonged pursuit of justice
Two major cases emerged from the mutiny—one concerning murder and the other under the Explosives Act.
Additionally, a separate military trial was conducted under the BDR’s internal legal framework.
While both the trial court and the High Court have delivered verdicts in the murder case, the final adjudication rests with the Appellate Division.
The case under the Explosives Act is still at the trial stage, with witness testimonies ongoing.
Borhan Uddin, the newly appointed chief public prosecutor (PP) for the case, noted that two hearings have been held since the new administration took office, during which the court granted bail to 178 individuals.
Furthermore, 462 others have applied for bail, with a verdict expected on 13 March.
To date, 285 witnesses have testified in the case, with two additional depositions recorded in the latest hearings.
Meanwhile, prison authorities confirmed that those granted bail have been released, and any remaining detainees will be freed upon further court orders.
Inquiry commission’s investigations
The inquiry commission, set up to reassess the carnage, has so far recorded testimonies from 37 witnesses.
Commission Chairman Major General (Retd.) ALM Fazlur Rahman confirmed these figures, stating that their investigation encompasses a broad spectrum, including the role of the military, law enforcement agencies, intelligence bodies such as the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) and National Security Intelligence (NSI), as well as possible external involvement and political connections.
The commission has prioritised identifying the masterminds behind the mutiny, those who incited or abetted the act, individuals responsible for evidence destruction, and any domestic or foreign entities complicit in the uprising.
Additionally, the commission is scrutinising violations of military law and reviewing whether certain perpetrators evaded prosecution in the original legal proceedings.
Official recognition of Jatiya Shaheed Sena Dibash
On 25 February, the government issued an official gazette announcing Jatiya Shaheed Sena Dibash, ensuring its annual commemoration (excluding a public holiday). The directive, issued by the Cabinet Division, urges all relevant ministries and agencies to observe the day with due solemnity.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has also confirmed that official directives have been issued for the proper observance of the day.
Punishments and trials in the aftermath
Justice has been meted out to a significant number of those involved in the rebellion.
Under the BDR’s internal legal framework, known as summary trials, 10,973 personnel faced various sentences, including dismissal for 8,759 individuals.
Meanwhile, special courts across the country prosecuted the mutineers, convicting 5,926 soldiers in 57 separate cases, and imposing varied prison terms.
Five individuals died while trials were ongoing.
A recap of events
According to court documents, the annual BDR darbar commenced at 9am on 25 February 2009 at the Pilkhana headquarters.
Major General Shakil Ahmed, the then director-general (DG) of BDR, along with Deputy Director-General (DDG) Brigadier General M A Bari and various high-ranking officers, were present among 2,560 personnel gathered for the event.
At precisely 9:26am, two armed rebels stormed the stage, initiating an attack.
Gunfire erupted outside the darbar hall as mutineers, their faces covered with red and green cloth, encircled the venue and began firing indiscriminately.
Despite the DG’s desperate calls to the prime minister and the army chief seeking immediate intervention, the mutiny escalated.
By 10:30am, the rebels forced the officers out of the hall in single file. As they stepped outside, the DG was brutally gunned down, followed by the execution of several other officers. Chaos engulfed the compound as rebels continued their rampage.
At 12:15pm, the air force attempted to de-escalate the situation by airdropping leaflets urging the mutineers to surrender.
In response, rebels fired upon the aircraft.
At 1:30pm, the Prime Minister’s Office initiated talks with the insurgents, marking the first step towards a resolution.
However, the rebellion had already left an indelible scar on the nation.
Sixteen years after the Pilkhana massacre, Bangladesh continues to grapple with the legal, political, and historical ramifications of the tragedy.
While many have been convicted and sentenced, the final chapter remains unwritten, leaving the pursuit of justice an ongoing endeavour.
The first observance of Jatiya Shaheed Sena Dibash this year serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made and the unfinished legal battle that continues to shape the nation’s history.
