BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday announced that his party would restore the name Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) if voted to power, saying the force’s historic identity linked to the Liberation War was unjustly removed after the 2009 Pilkhana tragedy.

“After the brutal massacre of army officers at BDR headquarters in Pilkhana in 2009, the fallen, defeated, fugitive and ousted fascist forces changed the name of the Bangladesh Rifles, an institution deeply linked to the memories of our Liberation War,” he said.

While addressing a views-exchange meeting with retired army officers and family members of those killed in the 2009 BDR mutiny at a city hotel, Tarique bemoaned that even the traditional uniform of the BDR was altered.

“I want to share a personal feeling with you today. If BNP is entrusted with the responsibility of running the state by the people’s verdict, we will restore the historic name of the Bangladesh Rifles, which carries the legacy of the Liberation War,” he said.

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Tarique also said BNP plans to consult the army to declare February 25—the day of the Pilkhana massacre—as ‘Shaheed Sena Day’, ‘Army Martyrdom Day’ or a ‘National Mourning Day’, so that such a tragedy never occurs again.

The BNP Chairman said several recommendations have already been placed by senior retired army officers ahead of the meeting, including the formation of a National Security Council and reforms to certain provisions of the Army Act.

“I personally believe that all these recommendations are undoubtedly important. At this moment, I can say that if, by the grace of Allah, BNP is given the responsibility of running the country through the people’s verdict in the upcoming February 12 national election, we plan to form a committee comprising both retired and serving Army officers to implement the recommendations you have placed before us,” he said.

Based on the committee’s findings, Tarique said each recommendation will be carefully examined and implemented gradually with sincerity.

He reiterated BNP’s commitment to implement the ‘One Rank One Pay’ policy for retired members of the armed forces, saying the provision has already been included in the party’s election manifesto and will be implemented if the party is voted to power.

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At the beginning of his speech, the BNP chief thanked the organisers for inviting him and his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, to the programme.

Referring to his close emotional bond with the Army, he said, “My wife and I truly feel a sense of nostalgia when we take part in discussions like this with you. We always consider the Army, and the armed forces as a whole, as an extended family.”

Referring to his emotional and close bond with the Army, Tarique said, “My wife and I truly feel a sense of nostalgia when we sit in a discussion like this with you. We consider the Army, or the armed forces as a whole, always as an extended family to us.”

He said the bond perhaps stemmed from his and his family’s upbringing in army cantonments.

“We lost our father at a very young age. But as I grew up, I saw that my late mother Begum Khaleda Zia had a deep sense of trust in and respect for the Army. She always believed that Bangladesh must have a strong Army to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty,” Tarique said.

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Tarique Rahman said that, as a son, he is proud of his father late President Ziaur Rahman, and believed that by declaring Bangladesh’s independence as an Army officer, he also made the Army proud.

“Just as I take pride in my father, I believe the democratic and freedom-loving people of Bangladesh are proud of Shaheed Zia as the proclaimer of independence and a valiant freedom fighter. I firmly believe that our family, and in the same way the Armed Forces of Bangladesh, also feel that pride,” he said.

Tarique Rahman noted that people regard the army as the most reliable guardian of the country’s independence and sovereignty, and warned that involving the army in non-core activities undermines its primary role.

Referring to the past 15 years, he said questions remain about how the army’s honour and role were affected during that period, including after the 2009 Pilkhana massacre, in which 74 people, including 57 army officers, were killed.

Tarique said during the period when the country fell under the grip of fascist and subservient forces, not only were democracy and citizens’ freedoms violated, but also the nation’s independence and sovereignty were also put at risk.

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He said even after the planned massacre of army officers at the BDR headquarters in Pilkhana in February 2009, the Armed Forces themselves were unable to properly observe that tragic day, nor were they allowed to do so.

“The honour of the army cannot be restored by words. Honour is something that must be earned and upheld,” Tarique said.

The BNP Chairman categorically stated that the army will never be allowed to be used for political interests if BNP comes to power.

“BNP did not do this in the past, does not do it now, and will never do it in the future,” he said, adding that BNP always stands for Bangladesh and its sovereignty.

The BNP chief stressed that while the army should remain politically aware, it must never be absorbed into politics, urging officers to remain vigilant so that professionalism is not overshadowed by political interests.

The programme began with special prayers seeking eternal peace for the souls of Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia and the martyrs of the armed forces.

Retired Major General Fazle Elahi Akbar delivered the welcome speech.

Earlier, Tarique Rahman greeted retired officers individually, walking around the venue and exchanging handshakes.

During the event, several retired officers spoke about alleged repression during the past 15 years, while Rakin Ahmed Bhuiyan, son of slain BDR Director General Major General Shakil Ahmed, also addressed the gathering.

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The programme was also attended by Dr Zubaida Rahman and senior retired army officials. Tarique Rahman later joined the retired officers for dinner.