Bangladesh authorities have uncovered a second mass grave and more
details about the level of brutality used during a two-day revolt by
mutinous border guards.
Searchers discovered the bodies of more army officers Saturday at a
military compound in the capital, Dhaka, raising the death toll to at
least 80. The dead are mostly senior military personnel. Authorities
say some of the army officers had been shot and attacked with bayonets.
Many army officers are still missing.
The rebellion began Wednesday at the headquarters of the Bangladesh
Rifles, a paramilitary unit of border guards commanded by the army
officers.
There is concerned that a grieving and angry army could seek revenge against the mutinous border guards.
In a move to quell such fears, the country's army chief pledged support
for the two-month-old civilian government of Prime Minister Sheikh
Hasina. General Moeen Ahmed urged the nation to remain calm late
Friday, after meeting with Ms. Hasina.
Prime Minister Hasina said (Friday) the guards directly involved in the killings of the officers will not receive amnesty.
But she has promised general amnesty for troops who surrendered during the mutiny.
Bangladeshi security forces have arrested at least 300 border guards who allegedly took part in the mutiny.
The rebel guards laid down their weapons after Ms. Hasina vowed to look
into their grievances, which include demands for better pay. Bangladesh
is in a three-day period of national mourning that began on Friday.
More news from our Dhaka stringer Matiur Rahman Chowdhury.