Punish those responsible for BDR carnage

A section of former armed forces officers yesterday called for punishment for all those responsible for the BDR carnage that led to the killing of 57 army officers, as well as the murder of Major Sinha.

They also demanded justice for all the disappearances and murders that occurred during the previous government's tenure.

The officers also sought the reinstatement of around 1,000 army, navy, and air force personnel who were dismissed at various points during the last regime and are still within the service age.

The statements were made during a press briefing held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) auditorium, organised by two platforms of former armed officers: "Justice for Comrades" and "Sohojoddha."

At the briefing, Major (retd) Shakil Newaz stated, "The neutrality and professionalism of the armed forces have repeatedly been questioned in different political situations, often influenced by the interests of the powerful. As a result, we have witnessed the abuse of martial law, planned killings, disappearances, and the unjust convictions and dismissals of meritorious officers by military courts without pensions."

Major Shakil emphasised, "We are here to highlight the ongoing injustice faced by serving and retired military members over the past 15 years. We have seen how agencies like DGFI, NSI, SB, and DB, under the Hasina regime, have tortured, humiliated, and repressed dedicated military members, undermining our security system."

He further said, "We have witnessed extrajudicial killings, abductions, false charges, and torture as part of a broader culture of impunity and injustice."

He also criticised the lack of accountability for high-ranking officials involved in these crimes.

Referring to the BDR massacre of 2009, Major Shakil remarked, "We saw how 57 army officers were brutally killed, but the full investigation into this incident has yet to be completed, and as a result, the real perpetrators remain free."

He also condemned the lack of proper trials for other serious crimes and criticised the dismissal of key figures involved in the murder of Major (retd) Sinha Md Rashed Khan, specifically referencing the case of the wife of death-row convict Pradeep Kumar Das being discharged from the case.

SIX OFFICERS HARASSED

On November 9, two naval officers and four personnel of different ranks were picked up from a restaurant named Trust Sharma in Khilkhet by individuals posing as DGFI, the officials claimed at the briefing.

Later, they were detained in the police station for around 20 hours. However, they were released after the intervention of "Justice for Comrades". But no explanation has been given as to why they were picked up.

Those who are trying to embarrass the interim government and the army chief by working in this way have to be identified, said Major Shakil Newaz.