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However, Philip Sangma, who was arrested for allegedly helping the two accused flee in the Hadi murder case, has been sent to judicial custody by a court order.

Faisal and Alamgir were detained on March 8 in the Bangaon area near the Bangladesh-India border by the West Bengal Police’s Special Task Force.

After being arrested on charges of illegal entry, the two were taken on a 14-day remand for questioning. When they were produced before the court after the remand ended, the court on March 22 ordered that they be sent to judicial custody for 12 days.

While being taken to court that day, Faisal told reporters: “I did not do this. I was not involved in these acts.”

When journalists asked whether he had been framed, he avoided answering the question, the report said.

Referring to the events of 1971, Salahuddin said the first massacre of March 25 began at Rajarbagh Police Lines, which paved the way for the declaration of independence.

Ziaur Rahman, then a major, revolted in Chattogram after learning about the atrocities and later announced the country’s independence from the Kalurghat Radio Station on March 27, calling for global support.

Remembering fallen police personnel, Salahuddin said the sacrifices at Rajarbagh marked the beginning of the call for independence.

He also described the resumption of the Independence Day parade after several years as a positive development and expressed hope that democratic practices would continue in line with the aspirations of the martyrs.

On police reform, he said discussions are underway with several developed countries for technical support, training and capacity building.