Dhaka, Feb 23 (V7N)- The government has officially declared February 25 as 'National Martyrs' Day', marking the anniversary of the 2009 Peelkhana massacre. The announcement was made in a Cabinet Division circular on Sunday (Feb 23), signed by Deputy Secretary Tania Afroz.

According to the circular, February 25 will be classified as a 'C' category national day, meaning it will be observed nationwide but will not be a government holiday. The government has instructed all relevant ministries, departments, and organizations to implement this decision accordingly.

On February 25, 2009, a tragic mutiny at the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) headquarters in Peelkhana led to the deaths of 74 people, including 57 army officers. The massacre left a deep scar on the nation, and now, the sacrifice of the fallen army members has been given national recognition.

The declaration of National Martyrs' Day ensures that the memory of this dark chapter in Bangladesh’s history will be formally observed each year as a day of mourning and remembrance.

END/MSS/AJ