An investigation committee will be formed within the next five working days to ensure justice for the BDR killings, said Home Affairs Adviser Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury.

He made the announcement during a special press briefing on the BDR killings held at the Home Ministry conference room at the Secretariat on Tuesday (December 17) morning.

The Home Affairs Adviser said that as the interim government is committed to reinvestigating the BDR killings and ensuring justice, the Home Ministry has been actively working towards this objective since the formation of the government. 

He also said: "I have been advocating for justice in the BDR killings from the very beginning. I first announced this intention at the Home Ministry on September 2 and reiterated it during my visit to the BGB headquarters on November 4, both of which were covered in the media."

The adviser further said, "Not just as the Home Ministry Adviser, but also as an ordinary citizen and a former member of the armed forces, I have consistently demanded justice. The current interim government is determined to build a society and state free from discrimination, where people’s rights, good governance, and justice are upheld."

He announced that an investigation committee would be formed within the next five working days to ensure justice for the BDR killings. 

The committee will include retired judges, civil servants, and officers from the armed forces and police, he said, adding that while the exact number of committee members has not yet been finalized, it is expected to include five, seven, or nine individuals, with a slight majority from the armed forces.

When asked if the case would proceed toward a reinvestigation, the adviser clarified, "The court can order that. What we can do at this stage is conduct a press inquiry."

Regarding the timeline for the committee’s report, the Home Affairs Adviser stated, "We will inform you within five working days. First, we need to collect the names to form the committee. As you know, not everyone is willing to join such committees, and this can cause delays. Once the names are collected, we will consult with them and then provide a more accurate timeline."

When asked about the leadership of the committee, he said, "The committee will be led by the most senior person."

In response to whether it would be a committee or a commission, the adviser explained, "If, after discussions, it seems more appropriate to form a commission instead of a committee, then we will take the necessary steps accordingly."

Finally, addressing speculation about any conflict with the Law Ministry, Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury clarified, "There is no confusion with the Law Ministry. However, we will consult the Legal Adviser during the meeting, and if we require their opinion, we will seek it."

BDST: 1029 HRS, DEC 17, 2024
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