New investigation committee to be set within five days to ensure justice for BDR massacre

In a significant move, the Bangladesh government has promised to form a new investigation committee within the next five working days to ensure justice for the victims of the 2009 BDR massacre. 

This was announced by Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury during a special press briefing on Tuesday morning (December 17) at the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The adviser explained that the interim government is fully committed to reopening the investigation into the massacre and making sure justice is served. 

He emphasized that the Ministry of Home Affairs has been working towards this goal since the new government came to power. 

“From the beginning, I have been vocal about the need for a new investigation and justice, not just as a government adviser but also as a citizen and a former member of the army,” Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said.

The new investigation committee, which is set to be formed within five working days, will include a mix of retired judges, civil servants, and former military and police personnel. 

The committee may consist of five, seven, or even nine members, with a majority of military officials included.

The adviser also mentioned that the court could potentially order a fresh investigation into the massacre. In such a case, the Ministry would set up a new committee to handle the investigation. 

He added that the deadline for submitting the report would be determined later, depending on the scope of the committee‍‍`s work. 

If the committee believes that a commission is necessary instead of a regular committee, the government will take that step.

Addressing concerns about legal issues, Jahangir Alam Chowdhury assured that there was no confusion between his office and the Ministry of Law.

"When the committee starts its work, we will consult with legal advisers, and if needed, we will seek further advice from the Ministry of Law," he explained.

The BDR massacre, which took place in February 2009, was one of the most tragic events in Bangladesh‍‍`s history. 

It involved the killing of 74 people, including 57 army officers, by members of the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), who were protesting against their treatment. 

The massacre has remained a sensitive and unresolved issue, and this new investigation is seen as a crucial step toward bringing closure to the families of the victims.