The surviving victims and families of the killed victims of the BDR massacre demanded that the government trace out the plotters, masterminds, assistants, and participants involved in the massacre and conclude the trial process swiftly.

They said the nation believes that the conspiracy was hatched from home and abroad to commit the massacre and there is no chance to certify the accused and convicted BDR soldiers as innocent people.

They made the demand at a press briefing at the Retired Armed Forces Officers’ Welfare Association (RAOWA) club in the capital’s Mohakhali on Wednesday.

Dr Fabliha Bushra, daughter of Shahid Lt Col Lutfar Rahman Khan, read a press release at the briefing.

She said the BDR bloodbath, which resulted in the deaths of 57 officers on 25 and 26 February 2009, has been deemed the cruellest in world history.

“Many of their bodies were mutilated. Bodies were loaded in trucks for charring. The bodies were buried diabolically. The bodies were dumped into drains and a number of the bodies disappeared. The family members of the officers were tortured, and some were killed,” she added.

Dr Fabliha further said, “Houses and vehicles of the officers were looted and set on fire. Cash and valuables were looted. There were 5,000 soldiers. About 4,000 arms were looted. All soldiers except someone were involved in the crimes. So they cannot be certified as innocent," she said.

The briefing also featured the families of dead and survived BDR officers sharing their horrific experiences during the carnage.