Members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BDR) (formerly Bangladesh Rifles [BDR]) have suspended their planned march toward the chief adviser’s residence at Jamuna, which was scheduled for 12 noon today. Instead, a 10-member delegation from the agitating BDR members has gone to the Secretariat for a meeting with the Home Affairs adviser in response to his call.
The protesting BGB members stated that they would withdraw their protest program if today’s meeting with the Home Affairs adviser yields positive results. However, if discussions on their demands remain inconclusive, they will resume their movement.
Ramna Deputy Commissioner (DC) Masud Alam confirmed this development around 11:30 AM.
The three key demands of the protesters are:
- All dismissed and affected BDR members (including the 76th batch) must be reinstated through special tribunals and summary courts at BDR units nationwide, including Pilkhana, with full state benefits and compensation
- The conditional inquiry committee formed for the Pilkhana massacre must be transformed into a fully independent commission. All restrictions hindering its impartial functioning—particularly the word “except” in the notification and Clause 2(6) of its mandate—must be revoked. The commission must identify the real culprits and ensure exemplary punishment. Additionally, innocent BDR members wrongfully imprisoned for nearly 16 years based on false testimonies must be released immediately.
- All army officers unjustly dismissed as part of an alleged “conspiracy” following the 2009 Pilkhana incident must be reinstated. Furthermore, the historic name “Bangladesh Rifles” (BDR)—honouring the nation’s sovereignty and the border guards’ legacy—must be restored.