DHAKA, Feb 25, 2026 (BSS) - The National Martyred Army Day was observed with due dignity today commemorating the 17th martyrdom anniversary of the army officers who were killed in the 2009 BDR (now BGB) carnage.

On the occasion, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid rich tribute to the martyred solider and officers of the paramilitary border security forces at the Banani Graveyard this morning, said a release of the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate this afternoon.   

A total of 74 people, including 57 army officers, including its DG, were killed during the carnage at the Pilkhana headquarters of the then Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) on February 25-26, 2009.

Earlier on February 23, 2025, the government declared February 25 as ‘National Martyred Army Day’ to honor the sacrifices of army officers who lost their lives in the Pilkhana tragedy.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Chiefs of the three services - Army, Navy and Air Force -, Senior Secretary of the Public Security Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Director General of the BGB and members of the martyrs' families paid their deepest respects to the memory of the soldiers.

After paying homage, a one-minute silence was observed in solemn respect for the martyrs while the serving members of the armed forces were honored salute, the ISPR said.

Subsequently fateha and doa were offered, seeking forgiveness, divine blessings, and eternal peace for the departed souls, as well as welfare for the nation and its people.

Special prayers were held in the mosques of the armed forces of the country on the occasion, the ISPR added.