36 Hours of Betrayal | The Untold Truth Behind the Pilkhana Massacre

Summary

The 2009 BDR mutiny in Bangladesh is recounted through personal stories of military officers and their families. The narrative reveals the chaos and emotional turmoil during the uprising, from the initial attack on military officers to the tragic loss of life. It explores the delays in military response, the political manipulation behind the mutiny, and the betrayal felt by those involved. The aftermath highlights the investigation and political cover-ups, as well as the haunting effects on families. The account reflects the broader breakdown of trust within institutions and the pain of unresolved justice in the wake of a national tragedy.

Takeaways

• 😀 The February 25, 2009 BDR (Bangladesh Rifles) mutiny at Pilkhana led to a violent rebellion, where military officers were attacked and many lives were lost.
• 😀 The first phone call received by the speaker around 9:00 AM on the day of the mutiny informed him about the attack on the officers at Pilkhana.
• 😀 The military was on high alert and prepared for an operation, but was waiting for an official order from higher authorities to proceed.
• 😀 Despite military readiness, the operation was delayed, and the troops were forced to use limited weapons like shotguns in the absence of better armament.
• 😀 On February 25, 2009, four members of the Awami League reportedly went to Pilkhana with a white flag, signaling a sudden cessation of gunfire, which surprised the military personnel.
• 😀 The speaker received a call from his father, which turned out to be the last time he heard his father's voice before his death during the mutiny.
• 😀 Following the mutiny, bodies of the fallen officers were discovered in mass graves, with some showing signs of brutal killings and mutilation.
• 😀 Despite repeated requests for action, the military leadership, including Brigadier Hakim, was waiting for political orders, which further prolonged the suffering.
• 😀 It was later revealed through investigation that the mutiny was not just a spontaneous rebellion but a carefully orchestrated political plot involving certain politicians.
• 😀 The aftermath of the mutiny saw the speaker being detained by the military intelligence (DGFI) for revealing the political involvement in the killings, with many officers facing similar consequences.

Q & A

What was the initial response to the BDR mutiny on February 25, 2009?

The initial response involved the military officers and personnel at the BDR headquarters being under attack. They were surrounded, and gunfire broke out, but due to the lack of arms, they were unable to retaliate effectively. The military and law enforcement agencies, including the RAB and army, were preparing to intervene.

What was the role of the Prime Minister during the mutiny?

The Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, played a crucial role in managing the crisis. It was noted that the military was waiting for political orders, and discussions were being held between the Prime Minister and military leadership to resolve the situation.

Why was there delay in military intervention during the BDR mutiny?

There was a delay because the military was awaiting direct orders from the political leadership, specifically the Prime Minister. The lack of clear military orders created confusion and resulted in inaction for several critical hours.

What role did political figures play in the BDR mutiny?

Several political figures, particularly from the Awami League, were implicated in the mutiny. Members of the party were seen negotiating with the mutineers, including four Members of Parliament who approached the BDR headquarters with white flags during the event.

How did the situation escalate in terms of casualties?

The situation escalated with many BDR soldiers and officers being killed or captured. In particular, the bodies of military personnel were found mutilated, and many were buried in unmarked graves or dumped in manholes.

What was the personal impact of the mutiny on the speaker?

The speaker shared the profound personal loss of their father, who was killed during the mutiny. They described receiving the last phone call from their father before his death and the immense emotional toll it took on their family.

What was the reaction of the military officers during the mutiny?

Military officers were deeply frustrated and anguished by the political delays. Many felt helpless as they were ordered to stand by without taking action, leading to more deaths among their colleagues.

How was the investigation into the mutiny handled?

The investigation was conducted by various military, police, and intelligence agencies. However, the speaker highlights that significant interference from higher political authorities, including the Prime Minister and her close aides, hindered the investigation's progress and transparency.

What did the speaker uncover during their investigation?

The speaker discovered evidence suggesting that the BDR mutiny was not a spontaneous rebellion but a well-orchestrated plot involving political figures from the Awami League and external influences, such as Indian agents, who incited the soldiers to revolt.

How did the government's response to the mutiny affect the speaker?

The speaker was subjected to retaliation for their investigation, facing imprisonment and false charges. They were also persecuted for attempting to reveal the truth behind the mutiny and its political connections.