Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Detective Branch (DB) has arrested retired Major Khandaker Abdul Hafiz over allegations of involvement in anti-state activities and a conspiracy linked to the 2009 Pilkhana massacre.
He was reportedly detained from the Banani area of the capital late Saturday night, according to law enforcement sources.
Sources familiar with the matter said Hafiz was arrested over allegations of involvement in activities considered harmful to state security, as well as alleged links with individuals connected to the conspiracy surrounding the Pilkhana tragedy.
Following his arrest, he was taken to the DB headquarters on Minto Road, where he is being questioned by investigators.
However, authorities have not yet disclosed specific evidence supporting the allegations against him.
The Pilkhana massacre took place on February 25 and 26, 2009, at the then Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) headquarters in Dhaka. The incident began with a rebellion and resulted in the deaths of 74 people, including 57 army officers, making it one of the deadliest incidents in Bangladesh’s history.
The tragedy led to multiple investigations, criminal cases and lengthy judicial proceedings.
The allegations against Hafiz have brought renewed attention to the investigation into the massacre. However, his alleged involvement has not been established in court.
Additional Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DB) Mohammad Shafiqul Islam confirmed the arrest on Sunday morning, November 1. He said Hafiz was currently in DB custody and that authorities were preparing to take further legal action.
DMP Deputy Commissioner (Media and Public Relations) Mohammad Aktar Hossain also confirmed that Hafiz was being questioned following his arrest in Banani. He indicated that a case could be filed against him over alleged anti-state activities.
According to a previous report by bdnews24.com, Hafiz was among several former military officers who joined the Awami League on September 6, 2008, ahead of the ninth parliamentary election. They reportedly joined the party by presenting flowers to its then acting president, Zillur Rahman.
Police have not indicated whether his previous political affiliation has any connection to the current arrest.
The investigation is ongoing, and further details regarding the specific charges and legal proceedings are yet to be confirmed.
Reporting by Admin for The Borderless Journal. Filed under Uncategorized · 01 Nov 2026, 16:00.
