Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday said in a fascism-free Bangladesh, the people now understand the real reasons behind the Pilkhana carnage.

In a message marking Shaheed Sena Day (Martyred Soldiers’ Day), he said, “The trial over the Pilkhana killings is ongoing. There is no scope to comment in detail on a matter that is under trial.”

The Prime Minister, however, said he believes that it is important for all citizens to understand that activities against the country’s independence and sovereignty were involved behind this massacre.

“After the killings, various attempts were made to mislead people through falsehoods and misinformation. But in a fascism-free Bangladesh, the real reasons behind the Pilkhana carnage are now understandable to the people,” he said.

The Prime Minister paid tributes to the 57 army officers and 17 others who were killed in the tragic incident on February 25, 2009, at the Pilkhana BDR headquarters.

He said the day was not observed with due importance in the years following the incident, but since 2024, after the country became free from fascism, February 25 has been observed as Shaheed Sena Day.

Abducted schoolboy freed within an hour after PM Tarique’s intervention

On the occasion, Tarique prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls and expressed deep sympathy for the bereaved family members.

Describing the armed forces as a symbol of the honour, bravery and pride of an independent nation, he called for a renewed commitment so that no one can conspire against the armed forces in future. “Today, we must once again reaffirm that pledge with determination.”

The Prime Minister urged all to remain united against any conspiracy against the country and its people. “We will stand united against any conspiracy that goes against the interests of the country and its people—let this be the resolve of Shaheed Sena Day.”