In recognition of his bravery and ultimate sacrifice during the 2009 Pilkhana mutiny, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has named its swimming complex in Pilkhana after Central Subedar Major Nurul Islam.

From now on, the facility will be known as the Shaheed Nurul Islam Swimming Complex.

Speaking to UNB, Nurul Islam’s son Md Ashraful Alam Hannan said, “Such honours inspire members of any force to deepen their love and dedication for the country.”

During the mutiny, while many sought refuge to save their lives, Subedar Major Nurul Islam confronted the armed rebel troops. According to accounts, he was brutally beaten with a mosquito net stand and killed in a brush fire for resisting the mutineers.

Hannan recalled that, like many others killed in the 2009 BDR carnage, his father’s body was recovered from a mass grave and taken to the morgue of Dhaka Medical College Hospital. He was later buried on March 4, 2009, in his ancestral home at Char Lakshmi village in Ramgati upazila of Lakshmipur.

Subsequent investigations revealed Subedar Major Nurul Islam’s valiant role. Six months after the incident, he became the only BDR member officially recognised as a martyr. On August 20, 2009, he was accorded state honours at his grave. Later, he was posthumously awarded BGB’s highest state accolade — the “Border Guard Bangladesh” medal.

Hannan also noted that his father, a dedicated and principled officer, had received the DG’s Medal four times during his service. In recognition of his exceptional performance, the government also sponsored his pilgrimage to Makkah to perform Hajj.