BNP chief Tarique promises to restore 'BDR' name if elected

The title is closely linked to the Liberation War memories, he says

Tarique Rahman has said the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) will restore the name of the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) should the party return to power.

On Saturday, he said the BNP plans to consult with the Army to declare the anniversary of the Pilkhana massacre as “Martyred Soldiers Day”, “Army Massacre Day”, or a “National Day of Mourning”.

He said, “Following the 2009 massacre of Army officers at the BDR headquarters in Pilkhana, the fallen and defeated fascist forces changed the name of the BDR, despite its deep links to the memories of our Liberation War.

“Even their uniforms were changed," he said at an event at the Radisson Blu Water Garden in Dhaka.

The event was attended by retired military officers and the families of those killed in the Pilkhana massacre.

Tarique noted that several senior retired officers had already submitted recommendations over the welfare of military personnel and national security prior to the meeting.

“I personally believe these recommendations, including the formation of a national security council and the amendment or reform of certain Army regulations, are vital,” he said.