The National Independent Investigation Commission has found strong evidence of the direct involvement of external forces and the then-ruling Awami League in the BDR (Bangladesh Rifles) killings, stating that the massacre was planned and coordinated by former Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh.
The commission submitted its report on Sunday (30 November) to Interim Government Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus at the state guesthouse Jamuna. The report submission was led by Commission Chief Major General (Retd.) A.L.M. Fazlur Rahman, along with other members including Major General Md. Jahangir Kabir Talukdar (Retd.), Brigadier General Md. Saidur Rahman Bir Protik (Retd.), Joint Secretary (Retd.) Munshi Alauddin Al Azad, DIG (Retd.) Dr. M. Akbar Ali, DU Associate Professor of Political Science Md. Shariful Islam, and Assistant Professor of Jagannath University’s Institute of Education and Research Md. Shahnewaz Khan Chandan.
In a briefing later, Chief Advisor’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar said the report highlighted the dark chapter of the nation’s history and recognized the commission’s role in uncovering the truth. The Chief Advisor noted that the report would answer long-standing questions regarding the tragic incident and serve as a valuable historical resource for the nation.
Commission Chief Fazlur Rahman emphasized that the investigation maintained highest standards of professionalism, impartiality, and accuracy, despite challenges such as the destruction of evidence over the past 16 years and the relocation of several key suspects abroad.
“We followed two major procedures: calling witnesses and listening to some for up to eight hours, and consulting those involved in the investigation, collecting their reports and other elements. We aimed to address every question the public has regarding the BDR carnage, including roles of individuals and reasons for inaction by the military,” he said.
The commission found direct involvement of external forces and the ruling Awami League in the killings. Major General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Kabir Talukdar added that the massacre was meticulously planned, with Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh playing the role of chief coordinator. He stated that the local Awami League actively protected the perpetrators, entering Pilkhana with a 20-25 member procession, which later swelled to over 200 people.
Talukdar also alleged that the then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave the “green signal” for the operation. He assigned responsibility from the Prime Minister and the Army Chief, noting that the incident was politically manipulated and that police, RAB, and intelligence agencies also failed critically.
He further criticized some print and electronic media and journalists for unprofessional conduct during the killings. Additionally, the commission found that names and records of BDR members who met Sheikh Hasina at the state guesthouse were not properly maintained.
The commission made several recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future and to ensure justice for the victims.
The report submission was attended by National Security Advisor Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Chief Advisor’s Special Assistant for Defence and National Cohesion Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Abdul Hafiz, and Home Secretary Nasimul Ghani.
