Bangladesh:Gunfight at BDR headquarters

[TopCat]

Keep the size the same. However the force should be broken down under regional/provincial commands. Its too large a single entity to handle in case of such situations.

There must be some revision the way it had been run. Size should not be the same but bigger and stronger. Bangladesh is totally united right now and people are behind the army. Somebody really wants a weak Bangladesh for sure, and thats not going to happen. Bangladesh will emerge stronger and sharper, god willing.
I never seen BD is so united, in my entire life just see the image below.

A soldier is crying for his officers... Thats what our strength is...

 

[blain2]

Iajdani,

So who is behind this attempt to "weaken" BD? Can folks be clear about what is being asserted here? (Sorry for being so politically incorrect and asking this question) ;-)

Why would you want BDR to be bigger and stronger? What if they pose another challenge to BA when they are more capable?

 

[Al-zakir]

Trial of killers will be fast-tracked


Sat, Feb 28th, 2009 1:10 am BdST



Dhaka, Feb 27 (bdnews24.com)— A senior army officer said in a statement Friday night that trial of those who killed scores of army officers in the two-day BDR mutiny will be fast-tracked.

"The general amnesty announced by the prime minister does not mean that those who took part in killing, mutiny, arson and other heinous activities will be pardoned," lieutenant general Muhammad Abdul Mubin said.

"Vested quarters have tried to damage the image of the patriotic armed forces through provocation and propaganda," the general said, calling for national unity.

Mubin read out from a written statement minutes before midnight and said he was clarifying "a few points at the instruction of the prime minister".

"Those who committed such barbaric and brutal acts cannot be pardoned and will not be pardoned," said Mubin, principal staff officer to the Armed Forces Division overseen by the prime minister herself.

"In order to ensure a speedy trial, the government will form a special tribunal and surely give exemplary punishment (to those guilty)," the general said.

"And proper representation from the army in the inquiry committee will be ensured," he added.

He repeated an earlier government announcement that the dead would be buried with full state honour and that the families provided with "all facilities".

The general said the two-day mutiny had tarnished Bangladesh's image internationally.

"The incidents of the last two days have completely destroyed the BDR chain of command, which makes this force as well as the country's security very much vulnerable.

"Restoring the chain of command is imperative in the interest of national security.

"The government has already appointed Brig Gen Moinul director general of the Bangladesh Rifles.

"Under his leadership, the command structure of the entire force will be re-organised."

The statement followed Gen Moeen's meeting with the prime minister, which ended at 11pm.

"Respected members of the armed forces, the Honourable Prime Minister and the government are fully aware of, and sympathetic to, all your sentiments and reactions."

The general said the members of the armed forces must be patient, and play a responsible role.

"We must remain united and act together to show respect to the departed souls of the officers who died," Mubin said.

"This is absolutely vital for the country's security and peace in general.

"It is our moral responsibility to maintain national unity in these times of national crisis."

He referred to the government announcement that the nation would officially mourn the dead till Sunday.

bdnews24.com/sum/bd/2359h

Trial of killers will be fast-tracked :: Bangladesh :: bdnews24.com ::

 

[Al-zakir]

New BDR DG named, no mercy for killers

Fri, Feb 27th, 2009 11:44 am BdST
Dhaka Feb 27 (bdnews24.com)—The government has named a new director general for the troubled border guards Bangladesh Rifles and said the general amnesty will not be for those who "directly" took part in killings.

Abul Kalam Azad, the spokesman for the prime minister, told bdnews24.com that an army officer, Brig Gen Moinul Hossain, AWC, PSC would lead the rebuilding efforts of the paramilitary forces.

"Those who were directly involved in the killings inside the BDR headquarters will not come under the general amnesty announced by the prime minister," press secretary Azad told senior correspondent Sumon Mahbub.

Azad said the prime minister also announced compensation for the victims of the mutiny. He said the government would pay for their children's education.

bdnews24.com/sum/bd/1643h

New BDR DG named, no mercy for killers :: Bangladesh :: bdnews24.com ::

 

[BanglaBhoot]

Iajdani,

So who is behind this attempt to "weaken" BD? Can folks be clear about what is being asserted here? (Sorry for being so politically incorrect and asking this question) ;-)

Why would you want BDR to be bigger and stronger? What if they pose another challenge to BA when they are more capable?

I think your question can be answered by asking a few more relevant questions -

1. Whose does this terrible incident benefit? In other words, a weaker Bangladesh Army and BDR is in whose interest?

2. Who could carry out such a conspiracy? Which agency or organization has the sophistication, logistics and finance resources to carry out such an operation?

3. Which group was the first to propagate disinformation on the incident? There is sufficient evidence of some quarter having blamed ISI, Jamaat, Salahuddin Quader Choudhury and HuJi(B) for the mutiny.

4. Is there any evidence linking any group, agency or organization to the mutiny? So far we have some information that BSF personnel were sending SMS messages to the BDR jawans inciting them to violence.

5. Who was the first to offer assistance even before any request was made? We know that India suggested sending a Peace Mission to protect the Calcutta-Dhaka friendship train service in the wake of the BDR mutiny?

The answer to these questions will indicate who was behind this appalling and horrific act.

 

[BanglaBhoot]

Sheikh Hasina: Bangladesh's toothless tiger

Just as things were looking up for Bangladesh, another crisis has plunged the country back into chaos.

The revolt by the Bangladesh Rifles, the country's border security force, highlights how fragile its 'progress' is, and how easily the new democratic settlement between the army and political establishment remains.

When BDR rebels started shooting their army officers at their Dhaka HQ, the new prime minister Sheikh Hasina capitulated to their demands so quickly that it sent shockwaves around the region. Her apparent weakness raised fears that it might encourage the rebellion to spread.

Her desire to nip the revolt in the bud, even if it meant surrender, reveals a country which has lost its confidence.

It was not so long ago that Sheikh Hasina swaggered the country, persecuting her political rivals, mostly Khaleda Zia of the BNP, and then, in turn being persecuted by them.

Their confidence then was such that they didn't notice the country collapse around them as they fought it out.

Then when the army called time on the feud that had come to define Bangladesh, they almost lost everything.

Sheikh Hasina has been returned to power by the ballot-box, but she knows she is not the force she once was. The swagger has gone, and perhaps with it the ability to rule.

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/dean_nelson/blog/2009/02/27/sheikh_hasina_bangladeshs_toothless_tiger

 

[rubyjackass]

Well, I think she managed the situation exceptionally well. And please be informed I am not a fan of her, not even because she "supports" India.
To get a hold on such a situation nation wide with a possibility to spread, all without army action is appreciable. I dont understand how people still have complaints against her conduct in saving the situation.

And Mr. Munshi, please tell me what, if at all, harm on earth India can do with a small peace force in Bangladesh near a railway line(I am not in support of India doing that either)?

 

[BanglaBhoot]

The following views expressed in the following news report originally came from Indian sources such as SAAG (which is sponsored by RAW) or directly from Indian intelligence as appeared on IBN Live website –

Bad Omens From Bangladesh

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/bangladesh-rifles-mutiny-ends-mystery-remains/86374-2.html

Why are Bangladesh nationals using information manufactured by Indian intelligence? Did no one see the BDR Jawans chanting Joy Bangla as they were engaged in their rampage and killing? Is this the slogan of Islamist fundamentalists? Finally why did India propose to send a Peace Mission to protect the Calcutta-Dhaka Friendship train without even being requested? What would happen if we offered them transit? We can expect they would not need to offer us assistance they would simply send their troops into Bangladesh since we now have an open border after the revolt. We also have information that BSF were sending SMS messages to the BDR jawans during the mutiny. Although this has still to be verified the indications are that Indian intelligence and their human assets in Bangladesh are involved in propagating disinformation and propaganda to misdirect public attention from the real source of the rebellion. I find it utterly disgraceful and appalling that after such a tragedy our own citizens would participate in this Indian game. They should be calling for unity but their acts speak of disunity.

Anti-liberation forces instigate BDR-men to attack army officers

Staff Correspondent

The Bangladesh Today - February 28, 2009

An organised gang influenced by anti-liberation forces in a preplanned way instigated BDR members to launch barbaric attacks on army officials and killed them intentionally in a move to create an anarchic situation in the country.

This allegation was made by participants at a discussion meeting organised by Ekattur er Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee at WVA auditorium in the capital on Friday afternoon. Political leaders, lawyers and professors took part in the discussion presided over by National Professor Kabir Chowdhury.

The participants said after the take over of power by Awami League-led 14-party alliance government, the trial of war criminals has been demanded by the people and that has already been approved by the parliament. Under this circumstance, an organised gang influenced by anti-liberation force instigated the BDR members to create an anarchic situation in the country in order to foil the proposed trial of war criminals.

They said good numbers of fundamentalists were appointed at different significant sectors of the country during the tenure of BNP-led four-party alliance government. Now they are trying to destroy the mission and vision of the government including the trial of war criminals so that it does not take any steps against the war criminals.

Barrister Tania Amir said in order to create countrywide anarchic situation to foil the proposed trial of war criminals, an organised armed gang influenced by anti-liberation forces launched attack on army officials and killed them intentionally. They also violated their wives during the attack which lost happened in 1971.

"To keep the situation under control, our Primer Minister Sheikh Hasina announced amnesty but the amnesty will not cover of murderer and violations. Trial of killers and violators must be held under existing procedures," she said.

Workers party president also MP Rashed Khan Menon said soon after taking decision over trial of war criminals, a certain group are becoming very active to create anarchic situation throughout the country. "We will have to take steps against this vested quarter carefully, because conspirators might instigate and create more untoward situations anytime," he said.

Kabir Chowdhury said soon after announcing amnesty, the situation came under control but it does not mean that the mutineers will be freed from criminal offence. Trial is must for killers and violators. "The government will have to reform the function of BDR and different intelligence departments immediately and take measures for ensuring trial of mutineers," he said.

________________________________________

 

[Halaku Khan]

BDR Commander's wife raped, thrown from building, 3 masterminds arrested

Bangladeshi army officers' bodies found as death toll from rebellion rises to 70

• Guardian shown around scene of devastation
• Show trials expected after hundreds detained

* Randeep Ramesh and Maloti Monsur in Dhaka
* The Guardian, Saturday 28 February 2009
* larger | smaller

The bodies of dozens of army officers were exhumed from shallow graves in the headquarters of Bangladesh's border guard unit yesterday, bringing the death toll from the two-day rebellion to more than 70.

Soldiers from the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), a paramilitary unit that patrols the country's borders, tried to flee dressed as civilians but hundreds were detained after the army set up roadblocks around the country. The government announced three days of national mourning.

Although the rebels were offered a general amnesty once they surrendered, ministers said there would be no pardon for "people directly involved in the killings". This means the country could see show trials followed by mass hangings as the legal penalty for mutiny is the gallows.

The revolt raised questions about the stability of the mainly Muslim country of 140 million people. Bangladesh had only returned to democratic rule two months ago and has a long history of coups, with two presidents assassinated.

The troops rose up against their commanders this week after a pay dispute spiralled. There had been resentment in the unit as the paramilitaries, who earn £70 a month, had complained about the practice of appointing army officers to head the BDR. The border guards were also aggrieved because they were barred from lucrative UN peacekeeping missions.

The rebels, identified by red bandanas, sprayed bullets into the unit's officer corps at an annual durbar, a meeting where ordinary troops can bring grievances to the higher ranks.

The renegade unit killed their commanding officers and raped officers' wives, the army said. They also shot dead friends and family. More than 2,000 BDR paramilitaries took over the headquarters of the BDR regiment, holding more than 100 people hostage. They only surrendered after the country's prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, sent in tanks and warned they were on a "suicidal path".

Yesterday the Guardian was taken on a tour of the colonial bungalow where the BDR's commander, Major General Shakil Ahmed, his wife and another military couple, Colonel Delowar and his wife, were killed. There was blood on the wall and floor, among the shattered glass and broken furniture. The army said Col Delowar was beaten repeatedly over the head with a stone, and that his wife died after a television was dropped on her skull.

Mrs Ahmed was shot, raped and killed by being thrown off a five-floor building, the army said. The body of the major general was found in a shallow grave. Many of the bodies were dumped in hastily dug holes covered by little more than mounds of dirt. Others had been thrown into the sewers of this sprawling compound that housed the soldiers and many of their families.

"There were 63 persons arrested by the police. Among them three masterminds. They confessed all this to the police," said Major Shumon Ahmed. The death toll looks likely to rise, with dozens of senior officers missing.

Their families are waiting anxiously for news. "Let me talk to my father. Where is my father?" cried 10-year-old Mohammad Rakib, son of Captain Mohammad Shamim, standing outside the headquarters of the border agency with his mother.

The crisis was the first real test for the new prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, who kept her nerve when it appeared that the mutineers would not back down. Dhaka's largest newspaper, the Daily Star, had hailed "her sagacious handling of the situation which resulted in the prevention of a further bloodbath."

 

[idune]

20-25 soldiers behind carnage
Claim survivors, some BDR troops

M Abul Kalam Azad

The mutiny in Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) was spearheaded by a group of 20 to 25 non-commissioned soldiers who forced others to take up guns and participate in the savagery that followed, according to information shared by surviving officers and some fleeing mutineers.

They said the small group of leaders, all of whom were based in Pilkhana BDR Headquarters, carried out all the mindless killings, most of which took place between 9:00am and 11:00am on Wednesday.

As soon as the first shot was fired, some of the rebel leaders armed themselves and locked the officers inside Darbar Hall at gunpoint, while some others rushed to the residence of the BDR director general and other officers.

Some went to the arms depot and broke open its doors. Then they forced other soldiers present in Pilkhana to take up arms as well, many of whom were there that day from battalions outside Dhaka, on the occasion of the BDR Week.

"If you don't take up arms and join us, you will be shot," a leader of the mutiny was quoted by a soldier, who like many others fled the headquarters on Thursday.

He said the majority of the soldiers were against the killing of so many officers.

"There were arguments between the mutiny leaders and other soldiers about the killings. Many tried to convince the leaders that all officers are not bad. But the leaders were furious," he said.

Another soldier said many of the soldiers felt deprived and were angry about the role of some top officers, whom they branded as corrupt. "There was no argument about the fate of the corrupt persons," he said adding some soldiers were also killed as they tried to stop the killings.

The soldiers said most of them broke down in tears seeing so many dead bodies of officers, scattered at different places in the compound. Initially many bodies were dumped in sewers.

The wholesale killing prompted them to flee the headquarters, the soldiers added.

They also said there was no specific leader of the mutiny. All soldiers of the small leading group seemed to be the leaders in the brutality.

They said a few officers were able to come out alive from Pilkhana, because many of the soldiers protested when the mutiny leaders wanted to kill them.

While narrating the horrible deeds that went on inside Darbar Hall, Lt Col Syed Kamruzzaman, who survived the killing spree, said he was saved by 'a few good soldiers'.

"They took me to another place and kept me hidden from the others," he said at a media briefing in the army staff college officers' mess in Mirpur Cantonment.


As the mutineers heard a rumour that the army could storm Pilkhana, the small group of leaders ordered the soldiers to bring out four armoured personnel carriers (APC).

"They pointed their guns at us and ordered us to operate the APCs," said a soldier, who was present in Pilkhana during the mutinee. The unwilling mutineers also had to take positions at different points to face any retaliation.

Some of the soldiers also said the mutiny bosses forced them to dig a mass grave behind the BDR mortuary Wednesday evening and dumped the bodies of dead officers in it.

"I saw three trucks with bodies parked there and some jawans were digging a ditch," said a soldier, who had hidden an officer inside a bathroom to save him. "There were many soldiers who tried to save the officers and their families in many ways," he added.

Major Firoz, who survived the mutiny, told The Daily Star that some soldiers helped his pregnant wife to leave Pilkhana on Thursday morning. "She became ill and they were kind enough to let her go outside."

The Daily Star - Details News

 

[wave69]

I hope and pray that things calm down by now!! latest news is that so far they have removed more than 56 dead bodies of soldiers from the complex. and more are expected.I dont know much about BDR or bangladesh, but this shows without doubt that their anger and frustration must be extremly high !!

 

[idune]

PM and her office should release the name and picture of following:

1) 14 members of BDR team who went to negotiate amnesty with her.

2) BDR soldiers who negotiated with home minister and govt delegation.

These people should be taken to custody (if they are not already) and interrogate thoroughly but no torture. These BDRs who negotiated are the part of core group or know who were part of core group. If found guilty let justise military or otherwise take its course. We don't want any scapegoat but real culprit and their instigator.

This should be one starting angle. I hope by now intel agencies have their act together and started working to find real instigators.

One other thing I would add that Indian high commission is only few blocks away (5 minutes walking distance) from BDR HQ where the tragedy took place. Investigator should not ignore that fact as evidence are pointing to Indian involvement.

 

[idune]

MBI you are a true patriot and soldier. For a Bengali nigger you truly understand the Indian threat. If I had to guess I would imagine your mother was one of the countless patriotic bangla whore's who serviced our forces diligently before they betrayed us and therefore you have some pure blood in you.

It's a shame that more of your countrymen don't think like you.

And as to the rest of this story, it doesn't surprise me. East Pakistani rifles were traitorous bastards and there legacy remains so.

That is despicable what you have said. I wish you had taught better.

 

[leonblack08]

What happened to all those grievances that BDR had? What happened to the news that the BA officer first shot BDR soldier?

The news was false,spread by the traitors.Yes there may be grievances,but you don't kill unarmed people for that.They committed genocide.And it was not for their grievances but it was a conspiracy.

This is my 1000th post,and I request to all Bangladeshi members to change your avatar to something black.Just a personal request.The nation started mourning yesterday.The national flag will be half hoisted till Sunday.

 

[HK-47]

What happened to all those grievances that BDR had? What happened to the news that the BA officer first shot BDR soldier?

you have a point here.it's all confusing.It will take time to ascertain the truth.

This should be one starting angle. I hope by now intel agencies have their act together and started working to find real instigators.

One other thing I would add that Indian high commission is only few blocks away (5 minutes walking distance) from BDR HQ where the tragedy took place. Investigator should not ignore that fact as evidence are pointing to Indian involvement

why are you jumping to conclusions?we should think from every angle.