BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has announced that if his party is voted into power in the upcoming national election on 12 February, the name of the “Bangladesh Rifles (BDR)” will be restored to honor its historical connection to the Liberation War.
Speaking at an exchange meeting with retired army officers and family members of the martyrs of the Pilkhana massacre at a city hotel on Saturday night, Tarique stated that the “ousted and defeated fascist force” changed the name and uniform of BDR after the 2009 massacre to erase its legacy.
He expressed his personal commitment to restoring the name should BNP receive the people’s mandate to govern.
To ensure such a tragedy never recurs, Tarique shared plans to designate the day of the Pilkhana massacre as “Martyred Army Day,” “Army Massacre Day,” or “National Day of Mourning” after consultations with the army.
He noted that for the past decade and a half, even the army itself was not allowed to observe the day with due solemnity under the previous regime. The February 25, 2009, BDR mutiny resulted in the deaths of 74 people, including the then director general Shakil Ahmed and 57 army officers.
Committees and reforms
Addressing recommendations made by retired senior officers – which include the formation of a National Security Council and reforms to certain army laws – Tarique promised to form a committee comprising both former and current army officials to examine and implement these proposals.
He also confirmed that the long-standing demand for “One Rank One Pay” has already been included in the BNP’s election manifesto. “We have already presented this to the nation,” he said, pledging its swift implementation upon forming a government.
Tarique emphasised that the army is the “reliable guardian of independence and sovereignty” and should not be used for political interests. He urged military personnel to remain conscious of their professional dignity and warned that their core purpose is hindered when the army is engaged in “other tasks.”
“The army must be aware of politics, but it should not be lost in it,” he remarked, stressing that professionalism must not be overshadowed by political influence.
A personal connection
Reflecting on his upbringing in the cantonment, Tarique described the armed forces as his “extended family”. He recalled his mother, the late Khaleda Zia, had a deep sense of reliance and respect for the army, believing a strong military was essential for the country’s sovereignty.
He further expressed pride in his father, Shaheed Ziaur Rahman, stating that as a soldier who declared independence, he brought honor to the entire armed forces.
Event Details The program began with a special prayer for the departed souls of Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia, and the martyrs. Retired Major General Fazle Elahi Akbar delivered the welcome speech.
The meeting also featured a speech by Rakin Ahmed Bhuiyan, son of the late Director General Major General Shakil Ahmed, who discussed the repression faced by army officers during the last 15 years.
Tarique Rahman’s wife, Zubaida Rahman, and other senior military officials were present at the event, which concluded with dinner.
