DHAKA – Describing the 2009 Pilkhana killings as a deliberate attempt to weaken the Bangladesh Army and destabilize the country, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed assured the nation that justice would be ensured for one of the most heinous incidents in the world. “I am assuring the nation and the martyrs’ families of ensuring justice,” he said. The Home Minister made the remarks after laying wreaths at the Banani Military Graveyard in the capital on the occasion of National Martyred Army Day, marking the anniversary of the 2009 Pilkhana carnage.

He said the government is committed to taking all necessary steps to prevent the recurrence of such a tragic incident in the future. Responding to a question from journalists about the government’s position regarding a fresh investigation into the 2009 BDR carnage, the Home Minister clarified that no new commission would be formed. Instead, he said, the government would implement the recommendations of the national independent commission that had been set up by the immediate past interim government to re-investigate the incident.

“I made a remark earlier that we would form a commission to reinvestigate the BDR carnage without going through the report of the national independent commission formed during the interim government. Now I am correcting myself – we will not form any new commission. Rather, we will implement the recommendations of the commission in phases,” he said.

He added that the interim government had constituted the commission with competent and experienced individuals, and its findings would be given due importance. Salahuddin, a Standing Committee Member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), stated that the commission had put forward 70 recommendations.

“We will implement all the recommendations in phases,” he said.

Referring to the Pilkhana carnage cases, he noted that several appeals are currently pending before the Appellate Division. “The judicial process will be completed,” he affirmed. Describing the Pilkhana killings as one of the most heinous incidents in global history, Salahuddin said the perpetrators were driven by forces that do not believe in Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty.

“They aimed to undermine the Bangladesh Army and weaken the country. Those who do not believe in Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty could have harbored such intentions,” he added.

BDR carnage took place on February 25-26 in 2009 at the headquarters of the BDR paramilitary force in Pilkhana, Dhaka. The mutineers in 33 hour upheaval killed 74 people, including BDR DG and his wife, 57 army officers, two of their wives and 15 others.

DHAKA – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today adorned newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir with the rank badge. The premier pinned the rank badge at a ceremony at his Cabinet Division office in the Bangladesh Secretariat here, said sources at Prime Minister’s Office. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and Home Secretary Manzur Morshed Chowdhury were present on the occasion.

DHAKA – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said his government will further modernise and consolidate the border force so that its members can carry out their duties with patriotism and professional excellence. “After a long struggle, a government elected by the people’s verdict is now in power. On issues concerning the country, we will further modernise and consolidate the border force. And our (border force) members will perform their duties with patriotism and professional excellence,” he said.

The premier made the remarks while speaking at a views exchange meeting at the Army Multipurpose Complex in the Army Headquarters here this afternoon on the occasion of the National Martyred Army Day commemorating the BDR (Now BGB) carnage on February 25 and 26 in 2009. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui and family members of Pilkhana carnage martyrs spoke on the occasion.

Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser Brigadier General (retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar and senior officers were present. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s spouse Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman were also present. Referring to the historic roots of the border force, he said that they are embedded in the nation’s independence.

“On March 26, 1971, when Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman proclaimed independence from Kalurghat Betar Kendra in Chattogram, members of the then EPR were on duty alongside the Army and witnessed that historic moment,” Tarique Rahman said.

Since the beginning of the great Liberation War, the border force along with the Bangladesh Army has been making unforgettable contributions to the country, he added. Later, the premier said, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman placed special emphasis on strengthening the border force through infrastructural development and reforms. The number of qualified and talented army officers sent to BDR on deputation was increased, he said, adding, in 1978, the force was reorganised in military fashion, with wings converted into battalions and two new battalions added, marking a significant milestone in its history.

At the onset of his speech, Tarique Rahman recalled the valiant martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War, those who sacrificed their lives in the 1990 mass uprising and the 2024 mass uprising with due respect. He also paid deep tribute to the 74 brave martyrs, including 57 patriotic army officers, who embraced martyrdom in the brutal killings on February 25 and 26 in 2009 at Pilkhana in the city, the then BDR (now BGB) headquarters.

The premier prayed for the eternal peace of the souls of the martyrs and conveyed profound condolences to the bereaved families. Describing February 25 as a bloodstained and grief-stricken day in the nation’s history, the Prime Minister said that whenever this day comes, nature itself seems to fall silent under the weight of memory and mourning, and the air carries the cries of that horrific moment.

“The brutal incident of February 25 and 26 in 2009, left a deep wound in our national life, the pain of which still lingers today, despite the passage of time,” Tarique Rahman said. “Standing on the grounds filled with the memories of the martyrs today after 17 years of the incident, my voice is growing heavy. I came before you not only as an elected public representative but also as a member of an army family and as the son of a fellow soldier,” he added.

Noting that in that horrific incident of 2009, 74 lives were lost, including 57 talented and patriotic army officers, the premier said each name represents the extinguishing of a family’s light, the painful chapter of losing a loved one, the history of a child becoming fatherless and an unfinished epic of dreams. “When I visited the graves of the martyred army officers at Banani Military Graveyard after returning to the country, I realized your unbearable struggle, immense sacrifice and the agony of seeking justice over the past 17 years,” Tarique Rahman said.

Stressing that remembering the Pilkhana tragedy with state honor is a national responsibility, he said, “If we do not give national recognition to the incidents of February 25 and 26 in the history, future generations will not forgive us”.

Therefore, the premier said the current government will work to preserve the memory of those days. About the army, he said the army has a glorious history in Bangladesh’s Liberation War and in the nation-building after the independence, adding, “Army is the symbol of our sovereignty. I think, the Pilkhana tragedy was an ill-attempt to foil that sovereignty”.

Stating that the Pilkhana incident exposed the weaknesses of the country’s national security framework, the Prime Minister put emphasis on making national security framework more modern, timely and strong, keeping pace with the globe.

“Our government will work toward this goal. Simultaneously, we reiterate our commitment to establish long-term security arrangements for the education, treatment, and rehabilitation of the children of martyred families,” Tarique Rahman said. Later, the prime minister took iftar with Pilkhana carnage martyrs’ families.

DHAKA – The government has appointed Md. Ali Hossain Fakir as the new Inspector General of Police (IGP) replacing Baharul Alam, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs today. Prior to his promotion, Md. Ali Hossain Fakir was serving as Additional Inspector General of Police and Chief of the Armed Police Battalion (APBN).

A member of the 15th batch of the BCS (Police) cadre, Fakir hails from Bagerhat district. Over the course of his career, he has held several important positions within the police department, earning recognition for his professional competence and leadership.

The official notification issued by the Home Ministry confirmed that the promotion takes effect immediately. Earlier, the government has cancelled the remaining tenure of contractual appointment of Inspector General of Police (IGP) of Bangladesh Baharul Alam following his application.

A notification, issued by the Ministry of Public Administration today, said the remaining period of his contractual appointment, made under a gazette notification dated November 20, 2024, has been annulled.

DHAKA – The government today said that any financial transaction through brokers or other intermediaries to obtain the Family Card is illegal. The Family Card is a priority programme of the present government and it is firmly committed to implementing the initiative. The information was disclosed in a press release of the Ministry of Social Welfare, a PID handout said today.

According to the release, a Family Card will be issued in the name of the female head of every family, irrespective of religion, caste or ethnicity. The card will be distributed free of cost under government arrangements.

The government urged people not to make any payment to middlemen or through any other channel for receiving the card. It also requested all to inform law enforcement agencies if anyone is found involved in such illegal activities.

DHAKA – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed the authorities concerned to take initiatives, involving private entrepreneurs, to reopen sick and closed industrial establishments in the country. “The Prime Minister has directed the ministries concerned to take steps to reopen the sick and closed industrial institutions,” Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman said today.

However, he said, how private entrepreneurs will be involved in the initiative and what the nature of ownership or partnership will be have not yet been finalized. Reopening sick and closed industrial establishments to create employment was one of the BNP’s election pledges.

According to the Prime Minister’s directive, sick and closed jute mills and sugar mills will be reopened, retaining former workers in their jobs and creating new employment opportunities there. As per the information placed before the parliament in June 2024 during the previous Awami League government, the number of closed industrial institutions under the Ministry of Industries was 397 at that time.

Of these, 382 sick/closed industries were under Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC), five under BCIC, six sugar mills under BSFIC and four factories under BSEC. Over the past two years, the number has increased further. However, no updated statistics have been published by the government.

Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun said, “Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has instructed to create new jobs”.

He also asked to take initiatives to reopen closed and sick industrial factories, the BIDA chief said, adding, in this regard, a committee led by the Ministry of Industries has already started working.

DHAKA – The government has formed the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as its chairperson. The committee was constituted through a gazette notification issued today. The notification was signed by Md. Humayun Kabir, Additional Secretary (Committee and Economic Affairs) of the Cabinet Division.

According to the notification, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will serve as Chairperson of the ECNEC while Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, has been appointed as its Alternate Chairperson.

Other members of the committee are Finance and Planning Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Home Affairs Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Industries, Commerce, and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md. Asaduzzaman, Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain and Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam.

Supporting officials will include the Cabinet Secretary, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Secretary to the Prime Minister’s Office, Secretary of the Finance Division, Secretary of the Economic Relations Division, Secretary of the Statistics and Informatics Division, Secretary of the Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED), members of the Planning Commission under the Planning Division, and secretaries of the relevant ministries and divisions. The notification stated that the term “Secretary” in this context will also include Senior Secretaries.

ECNEC will consider and approve all Development Project Proposals (DPPs), Technical Assistance Project Proposals (TAPPs), and Technical Project Proposals (TPPs). The committee will also consider and approve recommendations of the Project Evaluation Committee (PEC) for projects involving total investment costs exceeding Tk 50 crore in the public sector. It will review the implementation progress of development projects.

In addition, the committee will examine proposals from private initiatives, joint ventures, and participatory investment companies. ECNEC will monitor the country’s economic situation, review overall economic activities and related policy matters, and consider and approve the annual targets for foreign assistance. It will also review progress in achieving those targets.

The notification said the committee will meet as necessary, and the Planning Division will provide secretarial support. The order takes immediate effect. It also stated that the previous notification issued by the Cabinet Division on August 20, 2024, in this regard will be considered as cancelled.

DHAKA – Dhaka and Washington expressed optimism that Bangladesh–United States relations will reach new heights in the coming years through enhanced collaboration across all sectors, reaffirming their commitment to deepen the longstanding bilateral partnership. It was reflected when The U.S. Ambassador in Dhaka, Brent Christensen, paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman at the Foreign Ministry today, said a foreign ministry press release.

During the meeting, the two sides underscored the enduring partnership between Bangladesh and the United States, founded on mutual respect, shared democratic values and a common commitment to peace and development.

They reviewed key areas of cooperation, including trade and investment, defence and security, development partnership, immigration and people-to-people exchanges. The upcoming visit of U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Paul Kapur to Bangladesh in early March also featured in the discussion, reflecting the continued high-level engagement between the two countries.

The Rohingya issue was discussed at length. The foreign minister conveyed Bangladesh’s appreciation for continued U.S. humanitarian assistance and sought sustained political support for the safe and sustainable repatriation of displaced Rohingyas to Myanmar.

Prior to the meeting with the Foreign Minister, Ambassador Christensen also paid a maiden courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, MP, and discussed bilateral issues of mutual interest.

DHAKA – The Election Commission (EC) has transferred 112 officials from its secretariat and subordinate offices to various upazila and thana-level postings across the country. An official order in this regard was issued today, signed by Assistant Secretary Mohammad Shahidur Rahman.

According to the order, the officials from the EC Secretariat and its field-level offices have been transferred and posted to their designated stations as specified beside their names. The postings will remain effective until further notice. The order also states that the transferred officials must be released from their current workplaces by March 1. Failing that, they will be deemed released automatically from that date.

DHAKA – President Mohammad Shahabuddin today summoned first session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad on March 12. “The first session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad will be held at 11am on March 12 at the Parliament Complex at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Dhaka,” said an official release of the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat.

The President, also the head of the state, convened the session exercising the power bestowed upon him as per the Article 72 (1) of the Constitution, the release said. Before commencing the House proceedings on the day, the Parliamentary Business Advisory Committee is likely to hold a meeting to fix the duration and agendas of the session.