Prime minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday said that the activities against the country’s independence and sovereignty were perceivably involved behind the 2009 Pilkhana massacre.

He made the remarks in a message issued on the National Martyred Army Day to be observed today with paying tributes to the martyrs of 2009 Pilkhana massacre.  

‘The trial over the killings at Pilkhana is ongoing. As the matter is sub-judice, there is no scope for detailed comments. However, as citizen, I believe it is important for us to perceive that activities against the country’s independence and sovereignty were involved behind this massacre,’ he said.

Praying for the eternal peace of the martyrs of the Pilkhana massacre, prime minister also expressed deepest sympathy and solidarity with their bereaved family members.

On February 25, 2009, a brutal massacre took place at the then BDR now BGB headquarters at Pilkhana, he said, adding, ‘74 people were martyred, including 57 army officers, in the carnage at Pilkhana BDR headquarters.’

After 2009, the day was not observed with due importance, he said, adding that since 2024, following the country’s emancipation from fascism, the day had been observed as Martyred Army Day.

After the incident, there were attempts to mislead the public through various falsehoods and misinformation, he said. ‘But in a fascism-free Bangladesh, the underlying causes behind the Pilkhana killings are now understood by the people.’

The armed forces are a symbol of the honour, bravery and pride of an independent nation, he said.

‘Today, we must renew our pledge so that no one can ever again conspire against the armed forces. Let this be our commitment on Martyred Army Day—that we will stand united against any conspiracy that goes against the interests of the country and its people,’ he said.