Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday paid homage to the victims of the Pilkhana tragedy, marking Shaheed Sena Day.

 

They laid wreaths at the Banani Military Cemetery around 10 AM and observed a minute’s silence in memory of the slain officers. Prayers were also offered seeking eternal peace for the departed souls and the well-being of their families.

 

Among those present were Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-uz-Zaman, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan and Border Guard Bangladesh Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui.

 

On February 25-26, 2009, 74 people – including 57 army officers – were killed at the then Bangladesh Rifles headquarters in Pilkhana, one of the deadliest incidents in the country’s military history. Since 2024, the day has been officially observed nationwide to honour the fallen officers.