Families of the victims of the 2009 BDR mutiny on Friday demanded justice and the restoration of the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) name, along with several other key demands.
At a press conference held at the National Press Club, Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun, a representative of the BDR Welfare Council, presented the demands on behalf of the affected families.
One of the main demands is the restoration of the original name of the force, calling for the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to be renamed back to Bangladesh Rifles (BDR). The families also sought reversal of politically motivated cases, which they claim have been used to target innocent individuals, particularly urging action against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, whom they described as a "fascist dictator."
Additionally, they demanded unconditional release of BDR members who have been wrongfully imprisoned for over 16 years. The families also pressed for a reinvestigation into the mutiny, in line with High Court directives, to uncover the truth about the events of February 2009.
They demanded accountability for the deaths of BDR personnel during remand, insisting on full disclosure of the true causes behind the fatalities and justice for those responsible for any torture-related deaths.
Other demands included reinstatement of the 18,520 BDR personnel who were dismissed following the mutiny. The families also sought financial compensation for the victims, including pending salaries, allowances and pensions, as well as rehabilitation support for the families of the deceased and affected soldiers.
They demanded official recognition of 25-26 February as Martyred Army Day to honour those who lost their lives in the mutiny.
