News Flash
DHAKA, Nov 30, 2025 (BSS) – The National Independent Inquiry Commission, formed to investigate the brutal killings carried out in the name of the BDR mutiny, today submitted its report to the government with findings that Awami League (AL) was organisationally involved in the carnage.
The report revealed that the massacre was pre-planned and then Member of Parliament Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh “acted as the principal coordinator” while the full incident took place with ‘green signal’ from the then prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
Commission head Major General (retd) ALM Fazlur Rahman and other members handed over the report to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guesthouse Jamuna here, said Chief Adviser’s Press Wing this evening.
Other members of the Commission are Major General (retd) Md Jahangir Kabir Talukder, Brigadier General (retd) Md Saidur Rahman Bir Protik, former joint secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad, former DIG Dr M Akbar Ali, Associate Professor of Dhaka University Political Science Department Md Shariful Islam, and Assistant Professor Jagannath University (JnU) Institute of Education and Research (IER) Md Shahnewaz Khan Chandon.
On the occasion, Fazlur Rahman said that the Commission maintained maximum professionalism to ensure fairness, accuracy and neutrality during the investigation.
“When we began working, much of the evidence from this 16-year-old incident had already been destroyed. Many individuals involved in the incident had left the country,” he said.
The Commission head added that they went through two processes. “We called witnesses and listened to some of them for up to 8 hours as long as they wanted to talk,” he said, adding, “We spoke to those who were involved in the investigation. We collected their investigation reports and other elements as well."
Fazlur Rahman said the Commission attempted to answer every question that existed in the public mind, including why the army had remained inactive during the incident.
“The investigation found strong evidence of direct involvement of external forces as well as the then-ruling party Awami League in the BDR carnage,” he added.
About the findings, Commission member Jahangir Kabir Talukder said the Commission unearthed some external and real causes behind the incident.
“The massacre was pre-planned and then Member of Parliament Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh acted as the principal coordinator,” he added.
Jahangir said that the local AL leaders played a direct role in protecting those involved in the killings, citing that a group of 20–25 people entered Pilkhana in a procession but came out with more than 200 people.
“Incident took place with the ‘green signal’ of the then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina,” he added.
Regarding the responsibility for the incident, Jahangir said that the responsibility lies with the then head of government and the army chief as well.
Decision was made to resolve this incident politically, he said, adding, the police, RAB and intelligence agencies failed miserably.
The Commission member said that during the massacre, some print and electronic media outlets and a few journalists played an “unprofessional role”.
Jahangir said that no proper records were kept of the identities of the BDR personnel who met Sheikh Hasina at the State Guesthouse Jamuna (then the Prime Minister’s residence) during the incident.
In its report, the Commission made several recommendations aimed at preventing such incidents within forces in the future and ensuring justice for the victims.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Adviser Professor Yunus said, “For long, the nation remained in the dark about the BDR killings. The nation will remember you for the role you have played in unearthing the truth. I thank you on behalf of the nation.”
The nation had many questions about this most horrific event in history, and this work will put an end to those questions, he said, adding, “This report contains many lessons. It will remain as a valuable national asset”.
National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Defence and National Solidarity Development Lieutenant General (retd) Abdul Hafiz and Home Secretary Nasimul Ghani were present at the event.
