Rebel BDR soldiers begin laying down weapons

Dhaka: Rebellious Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) troops, who opened fire on senior officers over a pay dispute, began surrendering their arms here early today after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina offered an amnesty and assured to meet their demands, a government negotiator said.

"They have started surrendering weapons," government negotiator and local government ministry's state minister Jahangir Kabir Nanok told reporters outside the paramilitary force's headquarters at Pilkhana barracks here.

Nanok confirmed the start of the process after telephonic talks with Home Minister Sahara Khatun, who went inside the rebel-occupied complex after midnight to oversee the surrendering along with a government delegation including police chief Noor Mohammad.

Meanwhile, local media reports said that the rebel soldiers were asking army troops, who laid a siege of the complex, to go away "in the interest of the country".

The mutineers started laying down their weapons after a day-long mutiny over a pay dispute and enhanced facilities, storming their headquarters and holding superiors hostage after opening fire inside the complex.

At least six people, including three civilians and two army colonels serving the BDR on deputation from army, were killed, according to media reports.

(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest)