Dhaka, Aug 21 - Bangladesh Rifles' (BDR) Subedar Major Nurul Islam, who died while resisting colleagues staging a mutiny in February, is the country's new hero.

Six months after the two-day mutiny was quelled, the government which is now in the process of trying the guilty and revamping the border guards, has recognised him as a martyr, The Daily Star reported Friday.

He was awarded a formal guard of honour and floral wreaths were offered Thursday at his grave at Char Laksmi village in Laxmipur district of Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Subedar Islam was shot dead when he tried to resist the mutineers who attacked an officers' meet at the BDR Headquarters located in the outskirts of the capital.

Seventy three people, including 57 army officers on deputation, were killed during the mutiny.

BDR Director General Major General Mohammed Mainul Islamm and other officers travelled to Islam's village home Thursday and handed over a cheque for Tk 100,000 ($1,429) to his family.