Dismissed BDR members block road demanding reinstatement
Dismissed members of the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) and their family members blocked the road in front of the Khaddo Bhaban to besiege the Secretariat today (12 February).
They demanded their reinstatement and the release of those still in prison.
Earlier in the afternoon, the protestors announced their programme at the Central Shaheed Minar and began marching towards the Secretariat.
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However, they were stopped at Shikkha Bhaban Mor, where police set up barricades and deployed water cannons.
As the protestors attempted to push forward despite police resistance, law enforcement used water cannons to disperse them.
The demonstrators then moved to Khaddo Bhaban, where they have taken position.
Hasnat Abdullah, the convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, arrived at the protest site at around 2pm to speak with the demonstrators. He was seen engaging in discussions with them.
Entry to the Secretariat was temporarily restricted for a while and vehicular movement on Abdul Gani Road, from the High Court Signal to Zero Point, was suspended.
The dismissed BDR members are demanding reinstatement and compensation, insisting that all those removed through 18 special courts and military tribunals be reinstated with full state benefits and compensation.
They are also calling for the immediate release of prisoners, particularly those acquitted in the murder case and those who have already served their sentences while urging the withdrawal of what they claim to be a fabricated explosives case.
Additionally, they are seeking an independent investigation into the Pilkhana massacre, demanding that the commission's work remains unbiased and leads to the release of all wrongfully convicted members.
