The carnage that took place tarnished the image of the disciplined force, blood spilt over the grass so green, within no time the killing started
- It is difficult to find words of consolation
February 25 could be like any other day, but now it is marked as a red-letter day because on this day we lost 57 of our men who had to give their lives in the most barbarous manner possible.
History cannot bear testimony to a war when the country lost 57 of their men on a single day. The previous day, the smartly turned out contingent did salute the head of the state. An impressively colourful parade was presented after the soldiers were drenched in sweat.
The day after, the soldiers expected thanks from the leader who led them in the march. What could have been a day full of merriment turned out to be a day when the sky turned gloomy – a day when the blessings of the seniors were to be showering on the juniors turned into one of hatred.
Bangladesh Rifles had a golden legacy of being the torchbearer of the national standard. The role of the East Pakistan Rifles men in the glorious Liberation War can never be forgotten. It was during the onset of the Liberation War that the BDR men did show their courage, and the grateful nation still remembers that.
The carnage that took place tarnished the image of the disciplined force, blood was spilt over the grass so green, within no time the killing started. The led killed their leaders, and they were so cruel that they did not even show their kindness to the dead ones.
What kind of Muslims were they, who burnt the bodies and mutilated them, and left them uncared for without observing the rituals? Did the men who led them deserve the barbaric manner they were put into? What training did the men receive to treat the prisoners if otherwise apprehended?
They were men who were comrades both in war and peace, all of them were supposed to fight the enemy and defend the sovereignty of their motherland. The green flag with the red circle was what was dear to all of those who inspired them to use their guns and fire at the leaders who prepared them to fight the enemy. The friend turned out to be their enemy. The BDR tragedy is one which makes us confident to believe that we have made ourselves insecure. People who were destined to make us secure have become insecure.
After almost five years, can we believe that we have taken enough measures to battle against insecurity for ensuring security? The BDR men did fall in a conspiracy.
The pertinent question is what we did for the families of the men who were said to have killed and conspired. Nobody can replace the sorrow of the dead ones; nobody can bring them back to God’s earth.
Nobody can wipe the tears of their loved ones. We can only pray that the departed ones rest in heaven. They have earned an untimely departure in the most barbaric manner. On this day, we would urge upon all to view the matter of those who fell prey to this conspiracy in the most humane way, and help the lives of the families come out of distress. The ones behind this heinous act should have received exemplary punishment. It is difficult to find words to console the families of the departed ones. We can only say God is sure to give you strength, and the dear ones are sure to rest in peace.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
