The commission formed to reinvestigate the 2009 BDR massacre has submitted its final report to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, stating that the killings were planned and carried out with political approval.
The report claims that then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave a “green signal” for the incident, while then MP Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh acted as the main coordinator behind the attack.
The National Independent Investigation Commission, led by Maj Gen (retd) ALM Fazlur Rahman also a former BGB director general presented the report at the State Guest House Jamuna on Sunday.
Other members of the commission include Maj Gen Md Jahangir Kabir Talukder (retd), Brig Gen Md Saidur Rahman Bir Pratik (retd), Munshi Alauddin Al Azad, Dr M Akbar Ali, DU Associate Professor Md Shariful Islam, and JNU Assistant Professor Md Shahnewaz Khan Chandan.
After receiving the report, Chief Adviser Prof Yunus said the nation had long been in the dark about the BDR tragedy. “Your work has uncovered the truth. The nation will remember this effort. I thank you on behalf of everyone,” he said.
He added that the report answers many long-standing questions about one of the most shocking events in the country’s history and will serve as a valuable national document.
Commission chief Fazlur Rahman said the team maintained the highest level of professionalism to ensure a fair, neutral, and accurate investigation. Many signs of the 16-year-old incident had already vanished, and many involved individuals had left the country, he noted.
The commission interviewed witnesses for long hours and collected previous reports and records to build a full picture.
According to Fazlur Rahman, the investigation found strong evidence linking external forces and the then ruling party, Awami League, to the massacre.
Commission member Jahangir Kabir Talukder said the killings were carried out in a planned way, with Taposh coordinating the operation.
He added that local Awami League members helped protect the attackers, entering Pilkhana with a small group and leaving with a much larger one.
Jahangir also said that the responsibility for the incident lies with the then head of government and the army chief.
He stated that the incident was ultimately settled through political decisions and that the police, RAB, and intelligence agencies failed badly during the crisis.
He further criticised the unprofessional role of some media outlets and journalists at the time.
He added that the names and details of the BDR members who met with Sheikh Hasina at Jamuna, the then prime minister’s residence, during the killings were not properly recorded.
The commission has made several recommendations to prevent such tragedies in the future and to ensure justice for the victims.
National Security Advisor Dr Khalilur Rahman, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Defense and National Integration Development Lt Gen (retd) Abdul Hafiz, and Home Secretary Nasimul Gani were present at the meeting.
