A newly released report by Bangladesh’s National Independent Investigation Commission has reignited debate over the 2009 BDR mutiny, asserting that the massacre of army officers at Pilkhana might have been averted if the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) had acted promptly. The report, submitted on November 30 to the Chief Adviser, claims RAB’s forward units were ready to intervene but were denied permission to enter or open fire.

According to the findings, then RAB Director General Hasan Mahmud Khandker and Additional DG Major General Rezanur Khan withheld authorization, despite early opportunities to neutralize the mutiny. Rezanur later blamed senior security officials Major General Tarique Siddique and Major General Zainul Abedin for the delay. The commission also criticized police and RAB officers for remaining passive, allowing mutineers to escape and failing to protect victims.

The report’s revelations have renewed scrutiny of command decisions and coordination failures during one of Bangladesh’s deadliest security crises. Analysts expect calls for accountability and possible legal review of the implicated officials’ actions.