Pilkhana Probe Progresses: 158 Witnesses Interviewed, Two AL Leaders Submit Statements via Email
The National Independent Investigation Commission, tasked with probing the Pilkhana massacre, has so far interviewed a total of 158 individuals. Approximately 50 more testimonies remain to be recorded, according to a statement made during the commission’s third press briefing on Wednesday, June 25. The announcement was made by Major General (Retd.) A L M Fazlur Rahman, former Director General of Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) and chairman of the commission.
Among those who have provided testimony are two fugitive leaders of the then ruling Awami League—Presidium Member Jahangir Kabir Nanak and Organizing Secretary Mirza Azam. Both submitted their statements via email, Rahman confirmed.
The commission noted that among the 158 witnesses, nine were civilians, including a telecommunications expert, a businessman, and others from various professions, all of whom reportedly possess relevant information regarding the 2009 massacre.
Rahman stated that the commission has taken the depositions of 55 military officers who held key responsibilities or were in some way connected to the Pilkhana tragedy. This group includes former chiefs of the army, navy, and air force, as well as heads of several intelligence agencies and other senior military officials.
In addition, 20 civilians have been interviewed, including journalists, bureaucrats, and members of the earlier investigation committee. Fifteen officers who survived the mutiny have also been interviewed, and another 50 survivors have been formally requested via letter—delivered through Army Headquarters—to provide written testimonies. Two meetings have already been held to exchange views with these survivors, Rahman added.
Regarding political testimonies, the commission chief revealed that statements have been recorded from eight political figures. Of these, three were interviewed while in prison, three appeared in person, and the remaining two submitted their depositions by email while evading arrest.
Rahman further noted that 25 BDR personnel convicted in the case have given interviews from prison, offering firsthand accounts and naming individuals allegedly involved in the massacre. Their statements are currently under analysis. In addition, the commission has also interviewed 29 former BDR members who are no longer incarcerated.
The investigation remains ongoing, with further interviews and analysis planned in the coming weeks.
