Bangladesh declares Feb 25 as National Martyred Soldiers' Day

However, the day won’t be marked as a public holiday

The government has officially declared Feb 25 as Jatiya Shaheed Sena Dibosh or National Martyred Soldiers' Day.

While the day will be observed annually, it will not be marked as a public holiday, the Cabinet Division said on Sunday.

Instead, it has been classified as a ‘C’ category day.

The government has directed relevant ministries, departments, and organisations to ensure proper implementation of the decision.

On Feb 25 and 26, 2009, a mutiny at the then Bangladesh Rifles, or BDR, Headquarters in Dhaka’s Pilkhana led to the brutal killing of 57 army officers.

A total of 74 people were killed in the incident, which caused a stir both nationally and internationally.

The rebellion, which began in the BDR Darbar Hall, ended after a series of events on the following day. During the Pilkhana rebellion, soldiers from different parts of the country also revolted.

Following the mutiny, the border security force was restructured, renamed Border Guard Bangladesh, or BGB, and its uniform was changed.

Although trials were held for those responsible, calls for a fresh investigation emerged after the power change.

In response, the interim government formed a seven-strong Independent Investigation Commission in December.

A complaint has also been filed with the International Crimes Tribunal against deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, former army chief Moeen U Ahmed, and 56 others in connection with the Pilkhana massacre.