Anti-sovereignty activities had operated behind Pilkhana massacre: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has alleged that anti-sovereignty and anti-independence forces were active behind the 2009 Pilkhana massacre, describing the killing as a planned conspiracy against the state.

Speaking at a commemorative programme on Wednesday marking the Jatiya Shaheed Sena Day (National Martyred Soldiers’ Day), the Prime Minister said the massacre at the then headquarters of the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) was not an isolated incident but part of a broader design to destabilize the country.

The Prime Minister also said people now understand the background to the Pilkhana killings in a “fascism-free Bangladesh”.

He said the massacre took place at the then Bangladesh Rifles headquarters in Pilkhana on this day in 2009. The attackers killed 57 army officers and 74 people in total. He noted that authorities did not observe the day with due importance after 2009, but the government has marked it as ‘Martyred Army Day’ since 2024.

On the occasion, he sought forgiveness for the martyrs and expressed sympathy for their bereaved families.

Tarique said the trial over the Pilkhana killings remains under way, so he would not comment in detail on a matter now before the court.

He added that some groups had tried to mislead people with false narratives and disinformation after the killings.

The prime minister said the armed forces symbolise the honour, bravery and pride of an independent nation. He urged citizens to renew their pledge to prevent any future conspiracy against the armed forces.