The commission formed to reinvestigate the 2009 BDR (now Border Guard Bangladesh) massacre said today that it will identify local and foreign entities and conspiracies behind the carnage during its probe.
Following its first meeting at the BGB Headquarters, the commission chief and former BGB Director General Maj Gen (retd) ALM Fazlur Rahman briefed reporters this morning.
He said, "We have been tasked with identifying the individuals and entities -- both domestic and foreign -- responsible for the BDR massacre."
When asked if the commission would identify any specific country, he said that they would not single out any specific country, but they would conduct an impartial investigation. "If anyone is found responsible, we will provide our opinion accordingly," he added.
The commission aims to identify individuals, groups, organisations, institutions, departments, or associations responsible for the killings, those who aided the crimes, conspired, or tampered with evidence.
"We will remain impartial and uninfluenced by any external factors. I express my gratitude to the chief adviser for addressing this issue and attempting to resolve it," he said.
Seeking media cooperation, he added, "We request that you interpret our statements positively. Any misrepresentation could harm the national interest."
Maj Gen Fazlur stated that the commission's office would initially operate out of the BGB Dhaka Battalion office. It would soon write to relevant authorities, including the chief adviser, to secure necessary secretariat support.
It will request additional facilities, such as security for its members and their families, transport, secretariat and office resources. It will also propose granting the commission chief a position equivalent to an adviser to effectively deal with domestic and foreign stakeholders.
Additionally, the commission will suggest that its other members receive a status equivalent to that of judges of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court.
After securing these provisions, the commission has a plan to hold its next meeting and begin taking statements.
"After every meeting, if necessary, we will update the media to ensure transparency and keep the nation informed," the Major Gen said.
When asked about aligning the commission's investigation with the International Crimes Tribunal, he stated that they would seek the inclusion of four legal experts specialising in civil, criminal, military, and international law.
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