Dismissed and affected members of the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) blocked the Shahbagh intersection in Dhaka on Monday afternoon, demanding reinstatement to their jobs along with other key demands.
The blockade, which began around 1:30 pm, caused a complete halt to vehicle movement in the area.
The protesters had earlier marched from the central Shaheed Minar through Dhaka University’s TSC area to Shahbagh, where they staged a sit-in.
Despite a police barricade in front of Shahbagh police station, the protesters broke through and occupied the road, disrupting traffic.
The dismissed BDR members have been organizing multiple protests, pressing three main demands.
Reinstatement of all dismissed and affected BDR personnel—including the 76th batch—through special courts and summary courts headed by the Director General and Commander at BDR units nationwide, along with full compensation and state benefits.
Conversion of the current conditional investigation commission on the Pilkhana incident into a fully independent commission by removing all restrictions, especially the term “excepted” and certain clauses limiting its jurisdiction, allowing it to conduct impartial investigations and hold the real culprits accountable. They also demand the immediate release of innocent BDR members who have been imprisoned for nearly 16 years based on false witness statements.
Rehabilitation of all unjustly dismissed and affected military officers implicated as conspirators in the 2009 Pilkhana incident and restoration of the historic name “Bangladesh Rifles (BDR)” as the vigilant guardian of the country’s borders, reflecting their legacy of patriotism and sovereignty.
The movement continues as the dismissed members seek redress and justice.
