Today marks the 15th anniversary of the Pilkhana massacre, where numerous army officers and their relatives lost their lives in a brutal act of violence on this day in 2009. Following the BDR revolt on February 25, 2009, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Mainul Islam served as the Director General of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) from February 28, 2009, to May 9, 2010. As a former army officer, he also participated in the investigation committee to examine the Pilkhana incident.

He revealed that the chaos was premeditated 20 to 21 days before the massacre. In the days leading up to the incident, members of the ruling political party became increasingly vocal about the demands of the BDR personnel. Additionally, he mentioned that several BDR members accused of various charges were associated with political party leaders and activists.

A total of 74 individuals, including 57 army officers, were killed in the BDR rebellion and the ensuing brutal massacre at Pilkhana. Within  48 hours after the incident, the then Brigadier General Md. Mainul Islam was appointed Director General of the BDR.

Under his leadership, the organisation's name was changed from Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) to Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). In July 2015, he assumed the role of Principal Staff Officer in the Department of Armed Forces, retiring from the army in February 2016. Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Mainul Islam shared his perspectives on the investigation and various aspects of the tragic incident, speaking to Bangla Outlook's Dhaka correspondent in an interview.

Bangla Outlook: What did you observe at Pilkhana 48 hours after the mutiny when you assumed the responsibility of the BDR?

Md. Mainul Islam: Scattered around were weapons, ammunition, and grenades, yet there was no evidence of the carnage that had transpired there—no traces of blood; everything appeared meticulously washed and tidied. Those who had left Pilkhana that evening were called on television to return. Yet, as the Director General at the time, I had no prior knowledge of it. Weapons and grenades lay strewn everywhere. I remarked that they cannot be allowed to enter now. 

Bangla Outlook: As a member of the subsequently-formed committee of inquiry, what were your impressions of the environment surrounding the events? Did the situation unfold suddenly?

Md. Mainul Islam: The present Chief Election Commissioner, Habibul Awal, served as the secretary to the government at that time and was also a committee member. I urged for an inquiry into the involvement of civilians and subsequently sent a letter to the government. Additionally, I requested that China be considered both pre- and post-incident and that the contacts be investigated at that time. It was deemed crucial also to probe any potential involvement from India.

Bangla Outlook: What activities were the Chinese engaged in on that particular day?

Md. Mainul Islam: During that period, the BDR was in the process of procuring firearms, specifically sniper rifles. Once these rifles were delivered from China, a team was dispatched to Pilkhana to provide training and brief the BDR members. On the day of the incident, amidst a temporary cessation of firing, they evacuated safely. It was imperative to include them in the investigation.

Bangla Outlook: What was the context for the Indians' involvement?

Md. Mainul Islam: During the War of Independence, the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) was strategically positioned near the border of Bangladesh to counter the Pakistani forces. Following the war, some BSF bases were vacated, while others remained. However, the Indian BSF was relatively weaker than the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) as it did not have its army in the command, unlike the BDR. During the liberation war, the Indian BSF operated beyond its designated camp limits in various Border Outposts (BOPs) within Bangladesh. Between 1975 and 1981, multiple operations were conducted to compel the Indian BSF to withdraw from these BOPs, successfully forcing their retreat without effective retaliation from India due to the BSF's limited capability and opportunity.

India consistently sought ways to undermine the Bangladesh Army, and the Pilkhana massacre presented an opportune moment. Within two days, all the commissioned officers of the army were executed, leading many to perceive it as a deliberate act. It was crucial to consider this context, as there were discussions from various perspectives. Moreover, the situation at Pilkhana, particularly the state of the armoury, indicated careful planning, with the perpetrators believed to have infiltrated the premises approximately 20-21 days before the incident.

Bangla Outlook: Was India's potential involvement your speculation or was it based on any evidence? 

Md. Mainul Islam: We got an impression. The signs were becoming evident, as highlighted in Indian newspapers at various times. There was opposition from India because the BDR was under the army's command. India persistently reacted to the army command in BDR and it was also vindictive of some operations before and after 1981. It was evident that India perceived this as an opportunity. Even during the Bangladesh Border Guards (BGB) reforms, we faced numerous obstacles from India, as it could not tolerate the army's command over the BDR (now BGB). A thorough investigation would have shed light on these matters, revealing the involvement of other parties as well.

Bangla Outlook: And who else appeared to be involved in the situation?

Md. Mainul Islam: The involvement of a local political party must be considered. Before the mutiny, leaders from the ruling party were observed advocating for BDR soldiers accused of misconduct in various camps. On the day of the mutiny, some BDR members sought revenge, accompanied by individuals from different political factions. Discussions also centred around why army officers should lead BDR. Amidst the firing at Pilkhana, residents were evacuated to safety, while in Azimpur, members of the Awami League marched with the slogan 'Joy Bangla' in support of the rebels. It's evident they had backing in this incident and felt assured of immunity from retaliation. Surprisingly, they were not subjected to investigation. Multiple parties were complicit in this plot to undermine the army.

Bangla Outlook: What other weaknesses or inconsistencies did you observe on that day?

Md. Mainul Islam: Every year, the programme followed a traditional arrangement with specific committees, typically headed by BDR (DAD) officers. However, in 2009, there was a departure from this norm as army officers chaired all committees. This decision raised questions, especially considering that army officers were not provided with firearms, unlike in previous years. The commanding power for firearms remained under the control of BDR Officers (DAD). This deviation from the usual practice was not adequately explained. Usually, when BDR DADs held these positions, they were permitted to carry firearms. However, when army officers assumed leadership of the committees, they lacked commanding authority over the BDR personnel carrying firearms. This change was unusual and demanded scrutiny to understand its rationale.

Bangla Outlook: Who was responsible for overseeing the armoury and ammunition?

Md. Mainul Islam: Army officers were placed in charge, yet guard commanders apprehended them. Ammunition and armoury were thoroughly looted, with some items remaining unchecked. The discrepancy became apparent during the inventory reconciliation—missing items were noted, prompting a thorough investigation. Each ammunition box was sealed, and the sealed ones weren't initially inspected; their weight was verified against recorded values. Upon examination, it was discovered that some boxes contained grenades with fuses already inserted, indicating their readiness for use—an alarming anomaly as grenades and fuses were typically stored separately. This deliberate action suggested internal involvement, but this aspect was not investigated further. Additionally, attempts to conduct inquiries were obstructed.

Bangla Outlook: What is the implication behind the assertion that this rebellion received direct support?

Md. Mainul Islam: Indeed, it's plausible for India's support, especially considering Bangladesh had no immediate external threats, and Myanmar wasn't involved.

Bangla Outlook: Were there any obstacles in your investigation process?

Md. Mainul Islam: We requested the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), National Security Intelligence (NSI), and National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre (NTMC) to investigate the communications—what calls were made, to whom, and the content of those calls. Obtaining call records was crucial to uncovering potential connections and gathering vital information in such an unprecedented event. However, our efforts were thwarted, as access to this information was denied, citing its classified nature. This hindered our ability to conduct a thorough investigation. We escalated the matter by submitting a letter to the government outlining these challenges. The present Chief Election Commissioner, Habibul Awal, led the committee.

Bangla Outlook: What other noteworthy or unusual events were discovered during the investigation?

Md. Mainul Islam: There was a significant dilemma during the Pilkhana crisis: officers were being killed inside the compound for two days, while outside, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) had surrounded the area. The army was eager to intervene, but they were cautioned against it. It was conveyed that if the army entered Pilkhana, it could potentially escalate into a civil war. This decision to withhold the army's intervention raises suspicions of external influences or unseen forces at play. Despite the urgency and gravity of the situation, the army was restrained from acting upon their orders, highlighting a complex and concerning aspect of the crisis.

Bangla Outlook: Did you submit the investigation report? 

Md. Mainul Islam: We submitted a report. Our report was not considered due to the lack of evidence and information. Our investigation committee of 7-8 people could not even hold a meeting together.

Bangla Outlook: What is your commentary now that the Pilkhana murder trial has concluded?

Md. Mainul Islam: Two types of crimes have been tried here, but the cause and plan of the rebellion were never determined.

Bangla Outlook: Thank you

Md. Mainul Islam: Thanks also to Bangla Outlook.