Today, February 25, marks "National Martyred Army Day." Seventeen years ago, on this day in 2009, a brutal massacre occurred at the Pilkhana headquarters of the former border guard force, BDR (now BGB).

During a mutiny staged under the guise of an uprising, 57 army officers, including the then Director General Major General Shakil Ahmed, were cold-bloodedly murdered.

Several civilians, including Major General Ahmed's wife, were also killed during the two-day killing spree.

This horrific chapter remains one of the darkest stains on Bangladesh's history. Despite the passage of nearly two decades, many of the masterminds behind the massacre have yet to be brought to justice.

State Honors and Commemoration
On Wednesday morning, the President and the Prime Minister are scheduled to visit the Military Graveyard in Banani to pay official state tributes to the fallen soldiers.

While the tragedy occurred in 2009, the day has been formally observed as "Martyred Army Day" since last year.

The wounds of February 25 continue to haunt the nation. In a message marking the occasion, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated:

The Prime Minister noted that after 2009, the day was not observed with due significance.

However, since the country was "freed from fascism" in 2024, the day has been officially recognized and commemorated. He expressed deep sympathy for the bereaved families and prayed for the departed souls.

Ongoing Legal Battle
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman further noted that the trial regarding the Pilkhana killings is ongoing.

While he refrained from detailed comments on sub-judice matters, he emphasized the importance of citizens recognizing the anti-sovereignty motives behind the attack.

A Look Back: The Nightmarish Events of 2009
The tragedy began at 9:00 AM on February 25, 2009, during the annual Darbar (assembly) at the Pilkhana headquarters.

As Major General Shakil Ahmed was addressing the assembly, a group of mutinous BDR soldiers launched a sudden armed assault.

The rebels turned their weapons on the presiding army officers, killing them brutally and taking their family members hostage. The violence turned Pilkhana into a scene of carnage.

The standoff ended on the night of February 26 following a surrender, after which the police took control of the premises.

On February 27, multiple mass graves were discovered inside Pilkhana, containing the bodies of Major General Ahmed, his wife, and dozens of other officers.

Judicial Timeline
February 28, 2009: Two cases were filed under the Penal Code and the Explosive Substances Act.

November 5, 2013: A special court sentenced 152 people, including former BDR DAD Touhid, to death. Additionally, 160 received life imprisonment, 256 were given various jail terms, and 277 were acquitted.

January 2025: Recent legal developments saw the court grant bail to 250 BDR personnel.

January 23, 2025: 178 individuals were subsequently released from custody.