A comprehensive investigative report by the Independent Investigation Commission on the 2009 Pilkhana killings of Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) personnel, highlighting the involvement of Indian intelligence agencies, RAW and key Bangladeshi political figures in the conspiracy that led to the death of 74 army officers.
An independent, high-powered commission led by retired Major General Al M Fazlur Rahman conducted an 11-month investigation into the 2009 Pilkhana massacre, which resulted in the deaths of 74 people, including 57 military officers.
The report concluded that Barrister Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, a prominent political figure and nephew of former dictator Sheikh Hasina, was deeply involved. It colluded with the Indian RAW to orchestrate a horrendous massacre.
According to the report, four Indian intelligence operatives and 20 commandos were directly implicated in planning and executing the attack.
Four Indian RAW agents met at Barrister Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh’s office and his house to plan and execute the plan to take revenge on the Bangladesh Army and demoralise the Bangladesh Army, which will benefit the Hasina regime.
Other influential figures included fugitive Sheikh Selim and then State Minister for Home Affairs Sohel Taj, who were aware of and participated in the conspiracy to kill army personnel.
The plan was finalized in meetings held at Taposh’s office and residence, involving Indian intelligence and Awami League leaders.
The attack was a retaliatory measure following earlier clashes at the Bangladesh-India border near Padua, Roumariwhere BDR forces had killed BSF personnel.
The objective was to undermine patriotic military officers and consolidate political control with Indian support after Sheikh Hasina’s 2008 election victory.
Indian Intelligence Involvement
Testimonies and evidence indicate presence of Indian National Security Guard (NSG) operatives disguised in BDR uniforms participating in the killings.
Between 24-27 February 2009, 827 Indian passport holders entered Bangladesh, with many records missing or unaccounted for, suggesting covert operations.
Eyewitnesses at Pilkhana reported foreign language conversations in Hindi and other subcontinental dialects during the massacre.
The Pilkhana killings were not merely an internal rebellion but a planned political assassination supported by foreign intelligence, primarily from India.
The involvement of foreign operatives disguised as BDR soldiers is strongly supported by eyewitness accounts and investigative findings.
Retired Brigadier General Shamsul Alam Chowdury (Shams), a former Chatra League leader and Indian RAW agent, orchestrated the BDR mutiny. Major Riaz handed over rifles to BDR soldiers a day before the mutiny. Major Ziaz also involved distributing BDR uniforms to Indian operatives and Indian commandos. Retired Brigadier General Shamsul Alam Chowdury (Shams) facilitated the entry and exit of Indian operatives to and from the BDR headquarters.
Political and Military Coordination
Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh and other Awami League leaders played pivotal roles in orchestrating and executing the plan.
Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh was responsible for protecting conspirators and facilitating their escape.
Several banned Awami League leaders were involved in multiple meetings with Indian operatives and BDR members to implement the plan.
The plan exploited dissatisfaction among the BDR’s lower ranks to incite rebellion and justify the mass killings of officers.
There is significant evidence of cross-border military coordination and possible Indian troop deployment readiness, indicating a much larger geopolitical context.
Eyewitness Accounts
Multiple witnesses, including BDR personnel and their families, described seeing armed men in BDR uniforms speaking Hindi and non-Bengali languages, with civilian-style long hair and covered faces, inconsistent with standard BDR appearance.
Foreign military-style equipment not used by Bangladesh forces was also observed at the scene.
Military Intelligence and Border Situation:
Indian troops were reportedly assembled near the Bangladesh border, ready to intervene if necessary.
Bangladesh military leadership received intelligence about potential Indian military involvement, but the information was incomplete or unconfirmed.
According to Indian media reports, the Indian army stationed airborne troops in the Indian state of West Bengal to provide intervention forces if any Bangladesh army officer mounts a military coup.
Researcher Avinash Paliwal, along with other sources, confirms the strategic involvement of Indian forces and political backing for Sheikh Hasina’s government during this period.
Indian diplomats and officials reportedly assured support for Sheikh Hasina’s administration amidst the crisis.
DGFI and NSI failure
The investigation highlights serious failures in intelligence and security protocols within Bangladesh’s military and government structures. DGFI and NSI both failed to initiate any communication from Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh and the Indian RAW.
The report calls for further investigation into unidentified foreign entries and communications, suggesting ongoing security concerns.
This report is strictly based on the detailed investigative content presented by the Independent Investigation Commission without any unsupported speculation.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event Description |
| June 2008 | Major Nasir contacts Lt. Colonel Abdus Salam with conspiracy information involving Awami League leaders. |
| Late 2008 | Meetings with Indian officials reveal plans to destabilize Bangladesh military over 12-15 years. |
| December 2008 | Sheikh Hasina assumes power with Indian support after controversial elections. |
| 24-27 February 2009 | Surge of Indian passport holders enter Bangladesh; Pilkhana mutiny and killings occur. |
| 25 February 2009 | Pilkhana massacre begins; eyewitnesses report Indian NSG operatives in BDR uniforms. |
| 25-26 February 2009 | Microbuses with hooded, armed men leave Pilkhana; suspicious movements noted. |
| 28 February 2009 | India reportedly prepares commando units to rescue Sheikh Hasina if required. |
| Post-February 2009 | Independent commission submits 360-page report detailing conspiracy and Indian involvement. |
Indian Passport Holders’ Movement (Feb 24-27, 2009)
| Parameter | Number of Individuals | Notes |
| Indian passport holders entered | 827 | 65 had no exit records |
| Indian passport holders exited | 1221 | 57 had no record of entry |
| Foreign passport holders | Not specified | Included Indian-origin foreigners |
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