The government has decided not to form a new investigation commission over the Pilkhana massacre and will instead rely on the report submitted by the previous interim administration.

Earlier, the interim government had formed a “National Independent Investigation Commission” to probe the 2009 Pilkhana killings. The commission’s report alleged the involvement of several top leaders of the then Awami League government and also mentioned the role of a neighbouring country.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed had previously expressed a lack of confidence in the report and said a fresh investigation would be launched to uncover the “real mystery” behind the incident.

However, he has now revised his stance.

Speaking to journalists after paying tribute at the Banani Military Cemetery on the occasion of Martyred Army Day on Wednesday, the minister said the government would not constitute a new probe body.

“An independent national investigation commission was formed during the interim government, and its report is already with us. A few days ago, I made comments without reviewing the full report. Today, I am correcting that. We will not form a new investigation commission,” he said.

He added that since the commission had worked with experienced and competent individuals, there was no need for another body. “Many of the recommendations in the report are already being implemented. Initiatives will be taken to quickly dispose of the pending cases,” he said.

On the remaining recommendations, the minister said they would be implemented in phases.

“We want to assure the families of the martyrs that proper justice will be ensured for the Pilkhana massacre. The government will remain vigilant so that such an incident does not recur,” he said.

Describing the Pilkhana massacre as a major threat to Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty, Salahuddin said the incident may have been aimed at weakening the Bangladesh Army.

“Those who do not believe in the country’s independence and sovereignty or want to see Bangladesh as a weak state could have had such an objective,” he added.