Bangladesh as a state 'obligated' to ensure justice in Pilkhana massacre, says Chief Advisor Yunus

"As a nation, we have been kept in the dark for many years regarding the brutal murders of the brave army personnel at the Pilkhana,” the chief advisor says

Muhammad Yunus, chief advisor to the interim government, says that Bangladesh as a state is responsible for ensuring justice for the brutal massacre during the mutiny at the Pilkhana headquarters of the country's border security force.

The chief advisor’s remarks come as the country observes National Martyred Army Day for the first time on Tuesday.

The interim government has decided to observe this day as National Martyred Army Day every year from now on in memory of those killed in the Pilkhana massacre in 2009, he said.

The chief advisor said he commemorated the martyred army officers with deep respect and sorrow.

He said, "Even though so many years have passed since they lost their loved ones, the martyrs’ families are still waiting for justice."

"As a nation, we have been kept in a state of confusion for many years since the brutal murders of the brave army personnel at the Pilkhana. As a state, Bangladesh is responsible for ensuring justice for this brutality. We are working towards that goal. At the same time, I am hopeful that the country and the people will stand in solidarity with the martyrs’ families and all others oppressed."

The chief advisor said, "From now on, this day will become a check on our awareness and sentiments. It will remind us of the unwanted and brutal deaths of a group of brave souls who walked the difficult path of vowing to fight for the country. In memory of their sacrifice, let us as a nation resolve to guide ourselves on the proper path. Let no more lives be lost to misrule, conspiracy, or ego. Let people achieve the self-respect and human rights they deserve through their talent and merit. I hope it will be so."

Yunus said, "Let Bangladesh become an ideal on the path to building a world free from hunger, poverty and unemployment."

In memory of the nation's martyred soldiers, the chief advisor called on everyone to take a pledge to build a self-reliant and civilised Bangladesh.