Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has described the 2009 Pilkhana tragedy as a calculated attempt to destabilise Bangladesh and weaken its sovereignty, saying the killing of 57 army officers remains one of the darkest chapters in the nation’s history.
Speaking at a views-exchange meeting with family members of the slain officers, held at the Army Multipurpose Hall in Dhaka Cantonment on the occasion of Jatiya Shaheed Sena Dibas, the Prime Minister said the armed forces represent the backbone of national independence and stability.
He stated that the brutal incident exposed vulnerabilities in the country’s security system and highlighted the urgent need to modernise and strengthen national defence and intelligence mechanisms.
“The tragic events at Pilkhana revealed gaps in our security framework. We must learn from that experience and build a stronger, more resilient system in line with contemporary challenges,” he said, adding that his government would prioritise reforms to enhance institutional capacity.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman and BGB Director General Maj Gen Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqi also attended and spoke at the event.
Representatives of the families of the martyrs shared their memories and demanded justice, accountability and the identification of those who masterminded the massacre.
They urged the government to ensure that the investigation process remains transparent and that all responsible individuals are brought to justice.
Prime Minister’s wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman were also present at the programme.
Jatiya Shaheed Sena Dibas was observed commemorating the 74 people, including 57 army officers, who were killed during the 25–26 February 2009 attack at the then Bangladesh Rifles headquarters.
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