Minister hints at massive changes in BDR
Commerce Minister Col (Retd) Faruk Khan yesterday hinted at a sea change in the battered Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) through its resurrection as he presented a comparative picture of the border security forces of neighboring countries like India and Pakistan.
He also assured that the probe report on the Feb 25-26 BDR carnage would surely be authentic and not like the enigmatic one on the August 21 grenade attack on Awami League rally in the capital.
“The countrymen will certainly know the mysteries behind BDR brutality and the killers will be identified within the shortest possible time through investigation,” said Faruk Khan, who has been assigned to coordinate the probe bodies formed to look into BDR massacre.
He said three teams on both 'inquiry' and 'investigation' are working and the inquiry bodies would submit their report within the latest one-month term.
He shared the progress in investigation into the BDR carnage with the reporters at his office in the afternoon.
The former military man hinted that massive changes would be brought in BDR structure to make the disciplined force modern and time-worthy.
About border forces' structures in the neighboring countries -- India and Pakistan -- he said they have two to three types of border forces.
Asked about possibility of restructuring the mutiny-ridden BDR in line with the neighbours having two to three tiers, he paused and then said, in a smiling mood: “Let's wait and see.”
He said they are taking recommendations from the former BDR DGs in restructuring the border force, virtually beheaded through the killing of all its top commanders deputed from the army.
Talking on the progress of investigations, he said the investigations progressed free and fairly.
“It takes a little bit time to have an authentic, unbiased and acceptable report -- and for this the deadline has been extended,” he said.
Asked about bringing some political bigwigs of both major political camps under questioning, he did not like to name any names and said all would be brought under questioning if their links were initially found.
“Countrymen want it. They're waiting to see a true report,” he said, reassuring all about a sure-fire success in the hunt for tracking down the killers involved in the carnage.
He said 850 suspects have so far been arrested in connection with the BDR carnage and many gave confessional statement.
Replying to a question he said nine BDR Jawans, those who opposed the carnage, were killed in the onslaught and their families would be given due respects and compensation.
He said they got 1000 kinds of evidences and satellite footages have been added to the list as latest evidence.
He reiterated that borders are now well guarded, notwithstanding the big setback.
On the new BDR DG's recent visit to India, he said they discussed various issues trying to strengthen border security from both the sides.
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