Bangladesh Orders Investigation into 2009 Mutiny Massacre

By DTD- On Dec 26, 2024

DHAKA: Bangladesh has initiated a fresh investigation into the violent 2009 mutiny that rocked the country, resulting in the massacre of dozens of soldiers and subsequent brutal crackdown. A commission has been established to probe the events surrounding the mutiny, including the potential involvement of foreign entities, according to commission chief A.L.M. Fazlur Rahman.

The 2009 mutiny began when mutineers, mostly from the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), seized thousands of weapons from their headquarters and embarked on a violent spree, killing scores of their comrades. The army swiftly intervened, crushing the rebellion and arresting thousands of soldiers. Many mutineers were sentenced to death in the aftermath.

While a previous investigation blamed the mutiny on long-standing grievances over pay and treatment among soldiers, it was conducted during the tenure of Sheikh Hasina, who was later ousted from power in August during a revolution. Following Hasina’s fall, families of the soldiers killed in the violence have called for the reopening of the investigation, alleging that the former prime minister orchestrated a plot to weaken the military for her own political gain. These protesters have also raised accusations of India’s involvement in the alleged conspiracy.

The commission’s new inquiry aims to determine if there was any foreign involvement, with Rahman confirming that national and international conspiracy allegations will be examined. The mutiny, which spread rapidly across the country, was swiftly crushed, but not before significant loss of life and the stoking of political tensions.

The investigation is expected to stir tensions, especially with India, as Hasina’s ousting was backed by New Delhi, and relations between the two countries have become increasingly strained. Recently, Bangladesh requested India to send Hasina back to face charges related to the massacre and crimes against humanity.