`Operation Daal-Bhaat`: a major reason behind BDR mutiny

Staff Correspondent, Dhaka, Nov 6: The judge who delivered the judgement in BDR carnage case identified several reasons including the then paramilitary forces`  `Operation Daal-Bhaat` programme behind the brutal killings at Pilkhana, the BGB headquarters in Dhaka.

The proceedings of the special court formed to try the BDR carnage case, began at 12.30pm on Tuesday. However, Judge Md Akhtaruzzaman expressed regret at the beginning as he had to start the court proceedings two and a half hours ahead of the schedule.

In its observance, the court stated that `Operation Daal-Bhaat` a major reason. A disciplined force like the army, para-military force or border force should not be involved in any programme like `Operation Daal-Bhaat.`

Besides, children of BDR jawans should be given more opportunities to get admission into the schools situated inside Pilkhana. The authorities should actively think of setting up of more schools in this regard.

The authorities concerned may talk to the United Nations of sending BDR personnel to the UN Peacekeeping Missions like the members of the Bangladesh Army.

Moreover, the BDR members have been involved in protecting the country along with the Armed Forces. So, they deserve 20 allowances like the members of the Defence Forces. The authorities concerned should consider about providing `risk allowances` to the BDR personnel.

In his observance, the judge also mentioned that there might be reasons like military security behind the BDR mutiny so that the morale of the country`s Armed Forces could be destroyed.

Citing diplomatic reasons, the judge said there might be an attempt to present the Bangladesh`s disciplined forces to the outside world as an `indisciplined force` so that the country`s image could be tarnished.

Besides, the court mentioned some economic reasons. If there is political trouble in the country, it would certainly lead to anarchy in the forces. As a result, no investment would take place here.

The judge also said, "I`ll have to deliver the judgement. I will deliver whatever I think right. The convicts will be able to go to higher court."

Stringent security measures were taken around the makeshift court set up at Alia Madrasa ground at Bakshibazar in Old Dhaka to deliver the verdict. Members of police, RAB and BGB surrounded the entire court area. No vehicles were allowed to enter Bakshibazar and Urdu Road.

A dreadful incident of killings took place at BDR headquarters in the name of BDR mutiny on February 25 and 26 in 2009. As many as 74 people including 57 Army officials had lost their lives. A total of 850 BDR personnel were put on trial. It is the biggest murder case in terms of the number in the world.

The trial of the case began on February 5, 2011. The case went through a total of 232 working days in four years and eight months. All the proceedings of the cases ended through the final verdict in the case on Tuesday.

risingbd.com/sza