Celebrations marking Bangladesh's 38 years of independence were muted on Thursday, a month after a massacre of army officers by mutinous border guards in the capital.Bangladesh's government warned of possible attacks by militants.
The traditional Independence Day military parade was canceled in the wake of the mutiny, which killed more than 70 people, mostly army officers. Human Rights Watch on Wednesday urged Bangladesh to ensure suspects held in connection with the mutiny are not subject to retribution, including torture and other mistreatment.
Bangladeshi media say since the February massacre, nine border guards have died under suspicious circumstances. Officials say most either committed suicide or suffered heart attacks.Human Rights Watch says the government should conduct a prompt and independent investigation of the deaths and all other allegations of torture.
The rights group also called for a transparent and swift inquiry to identify those responsible and prosecute them in civilian courts.Bangladeshi authorities say border guards involved in the mutiny will face charges before a special military tribunal. Police say they have detained the mutiny's ringleader, Tauhidul Alam, along with other suspects. Authorities continue to search for 1,000 other borders guards and their alleged accomplices.