No new commission for Pilkhana carnage: Home Minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said that the current government will not form a new commission to investigate the Pilkhana carnage. He said the recommendations of the National Independent Investigation Commission, which was formed by the interim government, will be implemented gradually.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday (February 25) after laying a wreath at the Banani Military Graveyard on the occasion of National Martyred Army Day, the minister said the report of the National Independent Investigation Commission is now under review. “During the interim government, no significant steps were taken to implement this report,” he added.

“I had commented on this report a few days ago without reviewing it fully, and I wish to correct those statements today. We will not form any new investigation commission, as a National Independent Investigation Commission has already been formed with competent and qualified individuals. From a brief review of the report, I see that it contains around 70 recommendations,” he said.

The minister further noted that some ongoing cases are still in the appellate divisions and that the judicial process will be completed. Other recommendations will be implemented gradually, Insha’Allah.

Salahuddin Ahmed also paid tribute to those who gave their lives to protect Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty, saying they will always be remembered. The committee formed by the previous government had sought to uncover the motives behind the brutal Pilkhana killings; however, the investigation report was never published.

Assuring the families of the martyrs and the nation, he said the Pilkhana carnage will be properly prosecuted and justice will be ensured, so that such incidents are never repeated in the country. “We will take all necessary steps to prevent any recurrence of such events,” he added.