Press Conference Statement
The People Must Resist the Indian Plot to Destroy the Army-BDR and Protest Against Government Inaction

Dear Journalists,

Hizb ut-Tahrir in Bangladesh has organized this press conference today in order to present the party's statement on the so-called BDR mutiny, the latest developments relating to the issue, and the arrests of party members and activists for exposing the conspiracy to destroy the defence forces of the country.

Dear Journalists,

The people of the country are angry and saddened by the horrific events of 25-26^th February at the BDR headquarters especially the pre-planned and barbaric killings of more than a hundred military officers. Brutally murdering unarmed military officers and their families is an unforgivable crime. Mutilating dead bodies of officers; torturing and killing their wives and children including pregnant women; rape and burning dead bodies - all these inhumane acts were carried out by gang of Indian agents.  

The people are aware of the Indian plot to weaken and create divisions in the defence forces of Bangladesh. India and her local agents utilized the opportunity and current favourable moment to execute their conspiracy as they did many times in the past. The events have made it clear that the so-called mutiny was part of long-term plot and was carried out by India and her agents inside and outside the government. The mass killing of so many brilliant officers would only be of benefit to the polytheist enemy and her agents.

In the guise of various demands the conspirators have managed to completely destroy the BDR chain of command and are now scheming to separate the BDR from the military's command. This so-called demand is a threat to the security of the country. The sole beneficiary of separating the BDR from the army and creating divisions between the two forces will be the Indian enemy.  This demand is unacceptable and the defence forces of the country must remain under the command of the military.

Dear Journalists,   

An analysis of events of the 25-26^th February clearly point out the mysterious role of the Awami League government. For example did the government not have any information of a conspiracy of this magnitude? Why did the government send inexperienced ministers and MP's to negotiate with the rebels on such an important security issue who ensured the safety of the rebels only? Yet they did nothing to protect the lives, property and honour of the officers and their families. Why did the ministers and MP's who were frequenting in and out of the BDR compound feel safe and secure to move amongst the rebels in such a hostile situation unaccompanied by any security personnel? What was the purpose of the government in hurriedly declaring a general amnesty for the rebels without confirming the fate of the officers and their families? Did the government not allow the criminals to effectively flee from the scene by declaring the amnesty; vacating the locality; and blacking out the entire area? 

Dear Journalists,

The people of the country and everyone in the defence forces want a clear and unequivocal answer to these questions. However instead of answering these questions, the Prime Minister herself is raising questions in the parliament. The government is going further following the lead of the Indian media and trying to put the blame on others.

The Prime Minister announced that the government will seek assistance of US, UK, and the UN to investigate the events. We all know that they are vocal supporters of the government. Moreover they themselves are killing Muslims worldwide. So what good can we expect from them?

And what justice can we expect from a government which allowed the killers to flee? On the 25^th and 26^th of February, the Prime Minister as well other government ministers had many meetings with the mass murderers. Where are these mass murderers now?

Instead of arresting the killers and conspirators, the government is arresting innocent people for exposing the role government. As you all know by now, so far the government has arrested 27 members and activists of Hizb ut-Tahrir. We strongly condemn these arrests and demand the immediate release of our members and activists.

Furthermore in this moment of crisis for the country, Hizb ut-Tahrir in Bangladesh urges the people to take the following steps:

• Resist the conspiracy to destroy the army and BDR;
• Take the government to task for its inaction and mysterious role in the conspiracy; and
• Raise your voice for punishing the individuals involved in the conspiracy and the killings.

And rush forward to re-establish the Khilafah "Caliphate" which will unite the people and strengthen the defence forces to resist all belligerent states including US, India, and Britain.

Mohiuddin Ahmed
Official Spokesman of Hizb ut-Tahrir in Bangladesh