Dozens found dead after Bangladesh troop mutiny | World News - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Dozens found dead after Bangladesh troop mutiny

AFP | By, Dhaka
Feb 27, 2009 04:34 PM IST

Security forces in Bangladesh uncovered dozens of bodies of murdered army officers as a nationwide hunt was launched for renegade border troops behind a deadly mutiny in the capital.

Security forces in Bangladesh on Friday uncovered dozens of bodies of murdered army officers as a nationwide hunt was launched for renegade border troops behind a deadly mutiny in the capital.

HT Image
HT Image

Soldiers and sniffer dogs scoured the grounds of the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) compound in the capital Dhaka and dug up 20 bodies in one grave alone.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Colonel Rezaul Karim, deputy chief of the elite Rapid Action Battalion force, said soldiers were expecting to find more bodies in the grave. Another 22 bodies had also been found, including some that had been pulled from sewers and manholes.

"The bodies were buried underground in a makeshift grave near the hospital in the BDR headquarters compound. The dirt had been covered with leaves," he said.

The fate of more than 100 army officers taken hostage by the mutineering guards remained unclear, however, after the rank and file troops surrendered and returned to barracks late on Thursday.

"We have arrested more than 200 Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) troops who fled their barracks in civilian dress. We were given orders to arrest the fleeing mutineers," a spokesman for the Rapid Action Battalion, Commander Abul Kalam Azad, told AFP.

He said checkpoints had been set up at all routes leading out of the capital Dhaka and surrounding the BDR barracks, with four suspected mutineers arrested in northern city of Bogra.

"We are searching buses and trucks for any other rebel troops," he added.

The BDR guards, who were demanding better pay and conditions, surrendered after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina warned they were on a "suicidal" path that could end only in bloodshed.

The premier visited some of the victims both military personnel and their families in hospital on Friday and warned that those responsible for the deaths and injuries would face serious consequences.

As calm returned on Friday to Dhaka, one regular army officer held hostage by the guards told AFP of his escape as his captors opened fire indiscriminately.

"It was cold blooded murder," Syed M Kamruzzaman said, adding that BDR chief Major General Shakil Ahmed was gunned down in front of him. Officials would not confirm Ahmed's death.

"They hurled abuse at us and gunned down whoever they wanted. I was shot at seven times and was lucky to get out alive."

One minister said 50 officers may have been killed.

Tensions in the BDR had been simmering for months but erupted into violence early Wednesday when senior officers rejected appeals for more pay, subsidised food and holidays.

It then petered out, however, after Sheikh Hasina who took office only two months ago, although she had served as premier once before appeared on national television and threatened to put down the mutiny by force.

The violence was the first major crisis she has faced since her landslide election victory on December 29 ended two years of army backed rule.

Manzoor Hasan, the director of BRAC University's Institute of Governance Studies in Dhaka, told AFP there were a "few worrying hours" where the prime minister appeared to be losing control.

"It was a bit of a baptism by fire for her. It was a critical test but I think in the end she tackled it competently," he said.

The revolt has highlighted the frustrations felt by many in impoverished Bangladesh, which has been hit by high food prices, a slowing economy and rampant corruption.

Bangladesh has had a history of political violence, coups and counter coups since winning independence from Pakistan in 1971.

It was run by a military dictator from 1982 to 1990, before democracy was restored in 1991. Then, in January 2007, the army again stepped in, cancelled elections and declared a state of emergency after months of political unrest.

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away! - Login Now!

Get Latest World News along with Latest News from India at Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On