Dhaka, Feb 11 (V7N) – Dismissed members of the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) and their families have gathered at the Shaheed Minar since Tuesday morning, staging a protest to demand reinstatement, release of prisoners, and justice related to the Peelkhana massacre.

The demonstration, organized by the BDR Welfare Council, highlights eight key demands, including the reinstatement of dismissed members, compensation, and a call for the release of prisoners they claim were wrongfully convicted.

Faizul Alam, President of the BDR Welfare Council, addressed the media, stating that "innocent prisoners in the farcical case of the Peelkhana murder should be released." Protesters argue that many of those convicted were victims of a flawed judicial process and are seeking independent investigations to uncover the true perpetrators of the massacre.

The Eight-Point Demands:

1. Reinstatement of Dismissed Members: All dismissed BDR members should be reinstated, with compensation and state benefits provided. Special and summary courts should be formed to address pending cases.

2. Release of Acquitted and Sentence-Served Members: Immediate release of those acquitted in murder cases and those who have served their sentences. Charges related to explosives should be dropped.

3. Independent Investigation of Peelkhana Massacre: Amendments to the investigation commission's terms to ensure impartiality, with the head of the commission holding the rank of an Appellate Division judge. Innocent BDR members should be released based on the findings, and the true conspirators should be identified and punished.

4. Justice for All Victims: The murderers of 74 people—including 57 army officers and 10 BDR members—must be brought to justice. The cause of death for all BDR members who died in custody must be investigated, and those responsible for any unnatural deaths held accountable.

5. Rehabilitation of Unfairly Dismissed Army Officers: Army officers dismissed unfairly during the Peelkhana massacre must be rehabilitated.

6. Proper Identification of Martyrs: A re-investigation should be conducted to properly identify the bodies of all martyred army officers.

7. Restoration of BDR Name: The historic name "Bangladesh Rifles (BDR)" should be reinstated to honor its glorious role in the nation's independence and sovereignty.

8. Recognition and Security for Martyrs' Families: A national day should be declared in memory of the Peelkhana massacre martyrs, and security measures should be ensured for their families.

The Peelkhana massacre occurred in February 2009 when members of the then-Bangladesh Rifles staged a mutiny, leading to the brutal killing of 74 people, including 57 army officers. Following the incident, thousands of BDR members were arrested, and mass trials led to hundreds of convictions. However, many have long claimed that the trials were flawed and unfair.

The protesters today are calling for justice not only for the victims of the massacre but also for those they believe were wrongfully implicated in the aftermath.

As of now, there has been no official response from the government regarding the protesters' demands. Security at Shaheed Minar remains tight, but the demonstration has proceeded peacefully.

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