
President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid their respects today at the graves of the army officers martyred in the 2009 Pilkhana massacre.
The state tribute took place at 10:00 AM on Wednesday (February 25) at the Banani Military Graveyard in the capital. Both leaders laid wreaths and stood in solemn silence to honor the 57 army officers and other victims of the tragedy.
A Message of Sovereignty and Truth
In a message released prior to the ceremony, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman emphasized that the true motives behind the massacre are now "clear to the public" in a "fascism-free" Bangladesh. He noted that as citizens, it is vital to understand the underlying causes of the event.
Key highlights from the Prime Minister’s statement:
Countering Misinformation: He remarked that following the 2009 killings, various "lies and misinformation" were spread in an attempt to mislead the nation.
Symbol of Pride: He described the Armed Forces as the ultimate symbol of a free nation’s dignity, heroism, and glory.
A New Resolve: The Prime Minister called upon the nation to renew its oath to ensure that no one can ever again engage in conspiracies against the Armed Forces.
"Let the resolve of Martyred Army Day be that the nation will stand united against any conspiracy that goes against the interests of the country and its people," the Prime Minister stated.
National Observance
The tribute marks a significant moment in the national calendar, as the day is now formally observed as "National Martyred Army Day." High-ranking military officials, family members of the martyrs, and various state dignitaries also joined in offering prayers for the departed souls.


