Dhaka, Dec 25 (V7N) — The National Independent Investigation Commission (NIIC), established to investigate the tragic Peelkhana massacre of 2009, is set to officially commence its work on Thursday. The commission, headed by former Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Director General ALM Fazlur Rahman, aims to uncover the domestic and international conspiracies behind the event and bring justice to the families of the victims.

On February 25-26, 2009, a brutal attack at the BDR headquarters in Peelkhana resulted in the deaths of 74 people, including 57 senior army officers. Despite 15 years passing, the full scope of the incident remains shrouded in mystery, with unanswered questions about the motives and perpetrators.

In recent months, family members of the martyrs, along with various groups, have renewed their calls for a thorough investigation. Former military officials and affected families argue that the incident was not a simple mutiny but a carefully orchestrated conspiracy. Allegations have frequently implicated the then Awami League government and foreign actors, particularly India, in these discussions.

The seven-member NIIC has been tasked with conducting an impartial investigation into the massacre. In addition to uncovering potential conspiracies, the commission will examine:

Negligence in the initial investigations under the Sheikh Hasina-led government.

The activities at Peelkhana before and after the incident.

Whether real culprits were shielded from justice.

ALM Fazlur Rahman stated that the commission would seek assistance from local and international legal experts and may travel abroad if necessary to investigate allegations of foreign involvement. "We aim to conduct a fair and thorough investigation to uncover the truth, but three months may not be sufficient to complete this extensive task," he remarked.

The commission includes a diverse group of experts:

Major General (Retd) Jahangir Kabir Talukder

Brigadier General (Retd) Saidur Rahman

Joint Secretary (Retd) Munshi Alauddin Al Azad

DIG (Retd) Dr. M Akbar Ali

Associate Professor Shariful Islam of Dhaka University

Assistant Professor Shahnewaz Khan Chandan of Jagannath University

The investigation faces significant challenges, including the escape of key figures from the ousted Awami League government and ensuring the safety of commission members. Despite these obstacles, the commission remains committed to its goal of uncovering the truth and ensuring justice for the victims.

The families of the martyrs and the nation await the commission's findings with hope that the long-standing questions surrounding the Peelkhana massacre will finally be answered.

END/MSS/AJ