Flashback to Satkhira mutiny

Under Khulna sector, BDR mutiny took place on February 26 in two of the BDR battalions -- 7 Rifle Battalion also known as Nildumur Rifle Battalion and 41 Rifle Battalion also known as Satkhira Rifle Battalion.

Some 57 jawans of the two battalions are in jail for their alleged involvement in the mutiny. However, the total number of accused from the two battalions may rise if separate courts of enquiry find involvements of more border guards.

Of the 57 alleged mutineers in jail, 30 are from 7 Rifle Battalion while 27 from 41 Rifle Battalion.

Sources said 25 to 30 more border guards of the 7 Rifle Battalion are likely to come under the trial, which is scheduled to begin tomorrow [Monday], as their involvement was found by a court of enquiry.

The mutineers at Nildumur Rifle Battalion chased and opened fire at their commanding officer (CO) while he was trying to get to a safe place outside the barracks, said the sources.

The mutineers broke into the arsenal and looted weapons and ammunition. They later brought out a procession on BDR vehicles in favour of the Pilkhana mutiny, sources added.

In 41 Rifle Battalion, mutiny started in the morning of February 26. The mutineers broke into the arsenal and took control on arms and ammunition. Heavy firing took place while the mutineers ransacked the houses of the officers including those of the CO and the second-in-command.

The CO's family was not in Satkhira then but families of other officers, including the second-in-command and medical officer, were attacked. The rebellious border guards looted the officers' houses and shot numerous rounds of bullets inside the houses. The families with the help of some officers managed to escape safely.

Mutineers from seven BOPs (Border outposts) under this battalion came to Satkhira Battalion headquarters with heavy weapons while mutineers from other two BOPs came out in the open and barricaded the roads.

The situation of the battalion was totally out of control on February 26. Order was restored the next morning.

The 41 Rifle Battalion guards a stretch of 94-kilometre border in Satkhira.