BDR Massacre: Ex-Major Abdul Hafiz Arrested for Anti-State Plot
Retired Major Khondokar Abdul Hafiz arrested in Dhaka for anti-state activities and links to the 2009 BDR mutiny killers.
In a significant development concerning one of the darkest chapters in Bangladesh's military history, the Detective Branch (DB) of the police has arrested retired Major Khondokar Abdul Hafiz. The arrest took place in the Banani area of the capital, Dhaka, as authorities crack down on those linked to activities deemed harmful to state security.
Allegations of Conspiracy and Collusion
According to a security official, Major (Retd.) Khondokar Abdul Hafiz is facing grave allegations. He is accused of being involved in activities that are anti-ethical to the security of the state and playing a role in the conspiracy behind the infamous BDR massacre. Furthermore, the official stated that Hafiz had maintained illicit contacts and collusion with the killers involved in the tragedy.
The Horror of the Pilkhana Mutiny
The arrest brings back memories of the brutal events that unfolded on February 25 and 26, 2009. A violent mutiny erupted at Pilkhana, which served as the Dhaka headquarters of the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), the nation's primary border protection force at the time.
The siege lasted for 36 harrowing hours, resulting in a bloodbath that claimed 74 lives. Among the victims were 57 deputed Bangladesh Army officers, including the BDR Director General, Major General Shakil Ahmed. This event remains the single largest loss of military officers in the history of Bangladesh.
The Aftermath and Restructuring
The scale of the brutality led to a complete overhaul of the paramilitary force. Following the mutiny, the Bangladesh government restructured the organization to prevent such a catastrophe from recurring. As part of this transformation, the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) was renamed the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), which continues to be responsible for securing the country's borders today.