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Murder in Pilkhana

Abdul Hannan
THE unfolding details of the murder of very senior army officers in the uprising in BDR have overwhelmed the nation with deep shock and disbelief, anguish and wrath. It is truly a national tragedy of incomprehensible proportion. The government rightly observed three days of national mourning.
This despicable and ghastly incident has raised more questions than answers. How could it happen? Who exactly are the perpetrators of this heinous crime? Were there-any collaborators outside the scene of the crime? Why did it happen? Could the casualties
be contained? The answers are many and bewildering, as indicated by extensive and in- depth television talk shows, media reporting and comments.
Everybody has raised an accusing finger at blatant intelligence failure, without which the tragedy could have been averted. It was pointed out that the intelligence negligence was all the more conspicuous because the prime minister had only a day earlier visited the BDR HQ to attend the annual parade.
It was argued that the intelligence agencies were busy keeping an eye on politicians, teachers and businessmen rather than concentrating on matters in the armed forces and similar other
agencies. It was suggested that the intelligence failure be thoroughly investigated, and existing flaws identified in order to make the intelligence
agencies more effective.
As for the motive of the crime, the apparent grievances of the unruly jawans over service conditions, includ-
ing pay rise, openings in UN peace keeping assignments, assumed corruption among senior officers etc., seem too trivial to give rise to an outbreak of violence of such massive scale and intensity.
It is agreed by almost all that the attack on the army officers was preplanned and premeditated and was perhaps masterminded by ideologically motivated and hardened collaborators in collusion with a small group of infiltrators in the ranks with a view to deriving political dividends by creating a wedge and internecine conflict between the army and BDR.
The ultimate purpose was perhaps to destabilise the country, posing a potential threat to the democratic government. The enquiry committees will certainly unearth and unravel the mystery of the deep-seated plot, and bring the missing links and quislings to justice.
However, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina rose to the occasion with
remarkable political wisdom and foresight, resolve and equanimity. She consulted with the army and kept them in confidence every step of the way. She opted for a peaceful political solution rather than military action, which could metastasise the conflict into a fullblown bloodbath within the BDR compound.
It must be appreciated that the army showed remarkable good sense, maturity and restraint under extreme provocation. They had every reason to be agitated and angry at the loss of such a huge number of their fellow senior officers of outstanding distinction and merit.
However, democracy in Bangladesh seems to be safe for now. Our hearts, minds and prayers are with the members of the bereaved families who may bear the loss of their loved ones with courage and fortitude. This is a defining moment for the nation. With faith in the future we shall overcome.
Abdul Hannan is a freelance contributor to The Daily Star