President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday paid rich tributes to the martyred army officers killed in the 2009 BDR (now BGB) carnage, laying wreaths at the Banani Military Graveyard in the capital.
Home Minister says no fresh probe into Pilkhana carnage;
vows proper prosecution and justice
The prime minister placed a wreath at around 10:12am at the graves of the fallen officers, marking National Martyred Army Day. A one-minute silence was observed in solemn remembrance of the martyrs.
Fateha and special prayers were offered, seeking eternal peace for the departed souls and continued welfare for the nation and its people.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, the chiefs of the three services and other high-ranking officials were present on the occasion.
Later, speaking to reporters, the home minister said the government would not form any new investigation commission over the Pilkhana killings. "The incident will be properly prosecuted and justice will be ensured," he said.
He noted that the then government led by the Awami League had formed two committees to determine the motives behind the carnage, but their reports were not made public.
He added that during the tenure of the recently departed interim government, an independent national investigation commission was formed and its report submitted. However, he claimed that no significant steps were taken to implement its findings.
Referring to earlier remarks made without reviewing the full report, Salahuddin Ahmed said he was now correcting his position.
The minister said the current government, which assumed office with a fresh public mandate, would not constitute a new commission, as an independent and nationally recognised body comprising competent individuals had already completed its work.
According to a preliminary review, the commission made around 70 recommendations, many of which are being implemented, he said. Cases currently under trial, including those pending before the Appellate Division, will be concluded through due judicial process, while other recommendations will be executed in phases.
"We want to assure the families of the martyrs and the nation that proper justice will be ensured in the Pilkhana killings. Necessary measures will be taken to prevent such a tragedy from recurring in our national life in the future, Insha Allah," he said.
Salahuddin Ahmed described the incident as a grave threat to Bangladesh's independence and sovereignty, alleging that it was aimed at weakening the Bangladesh Army. "Such designs may have come from those who do not believe in the country's independence and sovereignty, or who wish to see Bangladesh weakened," he added.
When asked whether the investigation report would be made public, the minister said a decision would be taken after consultations within the ministry and with relevant stakeholders.
