02/16/2015 (press release: staffreporter) // Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh // Major Ahmed Ferdous, MBA (Retd)
Led by Major (Retd) Ahmed Ferdous, hundreds of supports are expected to gather for the second annual Martyred Army Day Movement rally to show support for those who lost their lives as a result of 2009 Pilkhana Tragedy in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The rally is set to take place on Wednesday, February 13, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. at the Jatiya Press Club located at 18 Topkhana Road, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh.
“The Martyred Army Day Movement is rallying in remembrance of the 57 valiant officers of Bangladesh Army who lost their lives. We want this day, February 25, to be officially recognized as Martyred Army Day to raise awareness of what happened, and to bring justice to the fallen soldiers and their families,” said Retired Major and Martyred Army Day Movement Leader Ahmed Ferdous.
Movement supporters say their ultimate goals are to also have the biographies of the 57 valiant officers of Bangladesh Army to be memorialized in school textbooks, have February 25 become an annual national holiday, and to ensure a fair trial based on unbiased inquiry occurs.
“There is power in numbers. We are encouraging any and all supporters to show up to the rally. Supporters not in attendance will wear black bands on their left arms in a show of solidarity,” said Ferdous.
Known as the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) Revolt, this tragic event took place over two days in February 2009. Led by the BDR, this paramilitary group was responsible for guarding the borders of Bangladesh.
The mutiny began on the second day of “BDR Week” when a sect of rebelling BDR soldiers captured the BDR headquarters in Pilkhana, killing several army officers along with the BDR Director General. Local media and other officials have said the mutiny occurred over unhappiness about benefits, pay, and command structure within the BDR.
As a result of the mutiny, 74 people lost their lives, including 57 military members. The aftermath of the trial has been the subject of scrutiny by several Human Rights groups as over six thousand soldiers have been convicted of a variety of offences including death. Many of the alleged mutineers were abused and tortured while in custody and were not given due process during the mass trial.
“We urge the people to show their support for this movement, and ask them to show up at the rally on February 25 at 3:00 p.m. at the Jatiya Press Club,” said Major Ferdous.
To learn more about Martyred Army Day Movement visit https://www.facebook.com/ssdbangladesh
Social Media Tags:Pilkhana Tragedy, BDR Mutiny, Bangladesh Rifles, Bangladesh Border Guards, BGB, Bangladesh Army, Martyred Army Day Movement
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