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Brutal massacre at BDR headquarters

Harun ur Rashid
THREE days of mourning were declared, when our national flags flew half-mast to show respect to the departed souls of the Shaheed army officers and others who were killed brutally on February 25 and 26.
On February 25, a brutal carnage occurred in Pilkhana and continued till the next day, in which many brilliant and decorated army officers were killed. This sort of senseless camage has few parallels in the world during peace time.
They not only killed the officers, but also the wives and children of some officers. Some of their bodies in uniform have been found in three mass graves within the BDR premises, and at the time of writing 63 bodies have been identified. Some of their residences have been burnt and looting of valuables including gold ornaments took place at the same time.
This gruesome incident beggars description and arguably constitutes crimes against humanity, and exemplary punishment must be meted out to the
culprits. This was not a revolt for redressing of their grievances, which was the excuse used by the perpetrators to mislead the people. Initially, they were successful in hoodwinking the people. Later, their evil plan was revealed by the senseless massacre of officers.
Many questions have been raised, such as: How is it possible to carry out such a preplanned massacre within a disciplined force? What were their motives? Who were behind the massacre?Who financed them?
TV talk shows with senior retired army officers and civilians reveal the following facts:
First, when the meeting was being held in the morning at the BDR Darbar Hall during the BDR week, two jawans suddenly entered the hall and one stood behind the DG BDR. Thereafter, all present at the hall left without defending the head of the BDR. Such behaviour was highly unnatural.
Second, most of the brutal killings took place within two hours, between 9-30 and 11-30, on the morning of February 25.
Third, some have alleged that a pick-up from outside carrying unknown people
entered the BDR headquarters before the massacre. Who were they?
Fourth, some BDR jawans had covered their faces with white cloth and some of them had red bands over their heads. How, when and from where did they get such things?
From the discussions, some observations deserve mention as below:
The tragic event was a pre-planned conspiracy to destabilise the country at a time when Bangladesh, after the fair and free election, gained worldwide admiration. Many foreign dignitaries started visiting the country for economic cooperation and assistance. The incident, according to analysts, might have negative impact overseas in which flow of foreign direct investment is likely to be adversely affected.
The conspirators attempted to bring about a division among the security forces to weaken the security of the state. Furthermore, the perpetrators attempted to weaken the army by killing a large number of senior and highly trained officers.
Some have suggested that there has been a huge intelligence failure. Only the day before, the prime minister took salute from the BDR officers and jawans during the observance of the BDR week Ordinarily, intelligence agencies are alert and vigilant to detect anything that is unusual in the place the prime minister visits.
Some have raised the question of ministerial responsibility and accountability in the matter.
An investigation committee headed by the home minister is expected to report within a week. Another committee, headed by a nonpartisan individual of probity, will be formed by the prime minister to investigate the circumstances leading to the carnage.
On March 1, some MPs suggested in the parliament that a parliamentary committee from all parties may be set up to investigate the tragic event.
The people and the leaders of the parties want a quick trial, and the government is committed to it, according to the LGRD minister. The minister further has said that the general amnesty did not apply to those who committed the gruesome criminal offences. The amnesty is meant for the bystander BDR personnel.
The whole nation is traumatised, regretful and fuming over the tragic event The nation is numbed and shocked at the horrifying discoveries of mass graves. Have the perpetrators lost all human values and become animals? Even animals do not kill each other.
The national psyche has been shattered, and we pray for the salvation of the souls of the Shaheeds and offer our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
The nation should stand united and move on through resolve and determination, overcoming the crisis with forbearance and fortitude.
Barrister Harun ur Rashid is a former Bangladesh ambassador to the UN. Geneva.