The National Independent Investigation Commission has found conclusive evidence that external forces, as well as the then ruling Awami League, were directly involved in the BDR killings.
The commission has identified the then lawmaker Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh as “key coordinator” behind the planning of the massacre. It added that the entire operation took place with the “green signal” of Sheikh Hasina – prime minister at that time.
The much-anticipated report of this commission – formed to uncover the truth behind one of the deadliest mutinies in Bangladesh’s history – was formally submitted to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Sunday at the State Guest House Jamuna.
Maj Gen (retd) ALM Fazlur Rahman, the commission chief, along with other members, handed over the final report, according to a statement issued by the Chief Adviser’s Office.
Fazlur said the investigation was conducted with maximum professionalism to ensure it was fair, neutral and error-free. When the work began, many pieces of evidence relating to the 16-year-old event had already been destroyed and many individuals involved had left the country.
He pointed out, “We followed two processes. We summoned witnesses and heard some of them for up to eight hours. We listened for as long as they wished to speak. We also spoke to those involved in the initial investigations.
“We collected their reports as well as other relevant elements.”
The commission sought answers to every question the public had about the BDR killings, including who played which role and why the army did not intervene.
“The investigation found strong evidence of direct involvement of external forces as well as the then ruling Awami League in the BDR killings,” the commission chief stated.
Hasina greenlit massacre, Taposh key coordinator
Commission member Jahangir Kabir Talukder said, “The investigation identified both external and real causes behind the event. The massacre was planned, that its key coordinator was Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, who was then a member of parliament.
“Awami League leaders directly helped protect those involved, entering Pilkhana with a procession of 20–25 people and leaving with more than 200.”
Talukder continued, “The entire operation took place with the “green signal” of then prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Responsibility extends from the head of government to the army chief.
“The event was resolved politically, and there were catastrophic failures on the part of the police, RAB and intelligence agencies. Moreover, some print and electronic media outlets and several journalists acted unprofessionally during the incident.”
He also added that when Sheikh Hasina met BDR members at the state guesthouse Jamuna (then the prime minister’s residence) during the killings, the names, identities and details of those present were not properly recorded.
While receiving the report, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus said, “The nation has long remained in the dark about the BDR killings. The role you have played in uncovering the truth will be remembered. I thank you on behalf of the nation.”
Yunus said the horrific incident raised many questions, and the report would now put an end to them. He noted that it contains many lessons and would remain a valuable national resource.
Commission chief Maj Gen (retd) ALM Fazlur Rahman, accompanied by other members, handed over the report at the state guesthouse Jamuna.
The other members are Maj Gen Md Jahangir Kabir Talukder (retd), Brig Gen Md Saidur Rahman Bir Protik (Retd), former joint secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad, former DIG M Akbar Ali, Dhaka University Associate Professor of Political Science Md Shariful Islam, and Jagannath University Assistant Professor of Education and Research Md Shahnewaz Khan Chandan.
The commission made several recommendations to prevent such incidents in the country’s forces in future and to ensure justice for the victims.
Also present at the meeting were National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman, Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant for Defence and National Integration Development Lt Gen (Retd) Abdul Hafiz, and Home Secretary Nasimul Gani.
