Mutiny probe criticises Bangladesh intelligence agencies

By Nizam Ahmed

DHAKA (Reuters) - Bangladesh's intelligence services were criticised on Wednesday by an inquiry team investigating a deadly mutiny in a paramilitary border guard unit, but its report failed to pinpoint the exact cause of the bloodshed.

The report also said "irresponsible" media coverage of the mutiny had inflamed the situation and recommended restricting reporters' access to "sensitive" areas such as military barracks.

A mutiny that began on Feb. 25 at the headquarters of the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) in Dhaka and then spread to a dozen other towns, killed at least 80 people mostly army officers.

Those killed included BDR chief Major-General Shakil Ahmed and his wife. Nine BDR troops who were believed to have opposed the mutiny were also killed, said the inquiry report released by the Home Ministry on Wednesday.

"Exemplary punishment following trials in courts martial is recommended to stop recurrence of such mutiny in the country," Anisuz Zaman Khan, head of the government inquiry team, said while reading excerpts of the report at a news conference.

The BDR, responsible mainly for guarding Bangladesh's more than 4,000 km border with India and Myanmar, was traditionally commanded by officers drawn from the army. The government said in March it would disband the unit.

Bangladesh has a history of frequent coup attempts and political intervention by such forces.

The revolt, which lasted 33 hours and ended after the rebels laid down their arms following a television appeal by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, stoked concerns over the stability of the civilian government that took power in January.