85-556: The Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Board is a government agency established in 1978 by the then President of Bangladesh Ziaur Rahman in response to the rise of the Shanti Bahini insurgency in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Eastern Bangladesh. As of 2021, Supradip Chakma is the chairman of this development board. Headed by an army general, the board was formed to provide special attention and administer
170-509: A Bengali identity based under language-based nationalism. Ziaur Rahman emphasised the national role of Islam as guide to life's principle. Claiming to promote an inclusive national identity, Ziaur Rahman reached out to non-Bengali minorities such as the Santals , Garos , Manipuris and Chakmas , as well as the Urdu -speaking peoples of Bihari origin. He even amended the constitution to change
255-401: A war hero . Ziaur Rahman is credited for ending the disorder of the final years of Sheikh Mujib's rule and establishing democracy by abolishing BAKSAL (One party rule established by Mujib). On the other hand, Ziaur Rahman is assailed by his critics for suppressing opposition. However, Zia's economic reforms are credited with rebuilding the economy and his move towards Islamisation brought him
340-467: A "traitor" and claimed that he was freed from detention under Taher's orders. The events of 7 November paved the path to the presidency for Ziaur Rahman. On this day following Mosharraf's death, President Sayem assumed the role of Chief Martial Law Administrator (CMLA) and Maj. Gen. Zia was made Deputy CMLA. A year later, President Sayem handed over CMLA duties to Zia and months after that stepped down on "health reason", and Zia became acting president in
425-641: A compulsory subject for Muslim schoolchildren. At the birth of Bangladesh, many Islamists had supported the Pakistani Army's fight against independence and been barred from politics with the Bangladesh Collaborators (Special Tribunals) Order of 1972. Ziaur Rahman undid this as well as the ban on communal parties and associations. In public speeches and policies that he formulated, Ziaur Rahman began expounding "Bangladesh Nationalism", its "Sovereignty", as opposed to Mujib's assertion of
510-699: A divided opinion on his legacy in Bangladeshi politics. Awami League supporters vilify him for alleged connections to Sheikh Mujib's assassination and controversial actions during his presidency. Critics argue that the Sheikh Hasina 's authoritarian regime politically motivated the negative portrayal of Ziaur's legacy. Nevertheless, Zia is generally credited for his role in the Liberation War, stabilizing Bangladesh, industrializing agriculture, and fostering regional cooperation. His political party,
595-584: A failed coup attempt on 2 October 1977. With Khaleda Zia, Ziaur Rahman had two sons, Tarique Rahman and Arafat Rahman (d. 2015). Khaleda became the head of the BNP and organised a coalition of political parties opposed to Ershad's regime. In elections held in 1991, she led the BNP to victory and became the first female prime minister of Bangladesh . She lost the 1996 elections to the Awami League's Sheikh Hasina, but returned to power in 2001. Tarique served as
680-637: A government department at Writers' Building in Kolkata . His grandfather, Moulvi Kamaluddin Mandal, migrated from Mahishaban to Nashipur-Bagbari after marrying his grandmother Meherunnisa. His mother's name was Jahanara Khatun. Ziaur Rahman was raised in his home village of Bagbari and studied in Bogra Zilla School . He had two younger brothers, Ahmed Kamal (d. 2017) and Khalilur Rahman (d. 2014). In 1946, Mansur Rahman enrolled Ziaur Rahman for
765-517: A gun fight with army personnel. One of Mujibur Rahman's cabinet ministers and a leading conspirator Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad gained the presidency and dismissed Major General K M Shafiullah , who had stayed neutral during the coup. Major General Ziaur Rahman (then deputy chief of army staff) was appointed as army chief of staff, after Shafiullah resigned. However, the coup of 15 August caused a period of instability and unrest in Bangladesh and amongst
850-494: A majority and its leader Sheikh Mujib laid claim to form a government, but Pakistan president Yahya Khan postponed the convening of the legislature under pressure from Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's PPP party. Following the failure of last-ditch talks, Yahya Khan declared martial law and ordered the army to crack down on Bengali political activities. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was arrested before midnight on 26 March 1971, taken to Tejgaon International Airport and flown to West Pakistan. He
935-464: A meeting with his fellow officers to decide whether Mosharraf and his companions should be allowed to come to the headquarters of the 10 Bengal Regiment. Two officers present at the meeting, Cap. Asad and Cap. M. A. Jalil , reportedly said "Let the bastards come in, we'll sort them out!" Col. Nawazesh received a phone call from Lt. Gen. Zia, who told Nawazesh to ensure the safety of Mosharraf and his companions. When Mosharraf, Haider and Huda arrived at
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#17327799435171020-469: A military trial. The size of Bangladesh police forces was doubled and the number of soldiers of the army increased from 50,000 to 90,000. In 1978, he appointed Hussain Muhammad Ershad as the new Chief of Army Staff , promoting him to the rank of lieutenant general . He was viewed as a professional soldier with no political aspirations because of his imprisonment in former West Pakistan during
1105-594: A re-Islamisation of Bangladesh. He issued a proclamation order amending the constitution, under whose basis laws would be set in an effort to increase the self-knowledge of religion and nation. In the preamble, he inserted the salutation "Bismillahir-Rahmaanir-Rahim" ("In the name of Allah , the Beneficent, the Merciful"). In Article 8(1) and 8(1A) the statement "absolute trust and faith in Almighty Allah"'
1190-695: A reputation of being "strict" and "ruthless" amongst international observers. Throughout his military career, Ziaur Rahman was awarded two gallantry awards for two campaigns he participated in; he was awarded the Hilal-i-Jurat for the Indo-Pak War in 1965, and Bir Uttom in 1972 for the Bangladesh Liberation War. He retired from the Bangladesh Army with the rank of Lt. General in 1978. Ziaur Rahman's death created
1275-456: A result of the uprising. After Ziaur Rahman granted pay rise to the enlisted men, many of the soldiers lost interest in the uprising. On 24 November, Col. Abu Taher, the mastermind of the uprising, was arrested for high treason and murder and was put on trial, along with 33 other members of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal. On 17 July 1976, Taher was sentenced to death and was executed on 21 July 1976. In his final letter, Taher described Ziaur Rahman as
1360-640: A short stint in a boys school of Calcutta, Hare School , where he studied until the dissolution of the British Empire in India and partition of India and Pakistan in 1947. Mansur Rahman exercised his option to become a citizen of a Muslim majority Pakistan and in August 1947 moved to Karachi, the first capital of Pakistan located in Sindh, West Pakistan. Zia, at the age of 11, had become a student in class six at
1445-810: A short time and killed eleven air force officers and 30 airmen at Tejgaon International Airport, where they were gathered for negotiations with the hijackers. Wing Commander M. Hamidullah Khan TJ, SH, BP (BDF Commander Bangladesh Forces Sector 11), then BAF Ground Defence Commander, quickly put down the rebellion within the Air Force, While, the then government was severely shaken. Chief of Air Staff AVM AG Mahmud reappointed Wing Commander Hamidullah Khan as Provost Marshal of BAF. President Zia immediately appointed Wing Commander Hamidullah Khan as ZMLA (Dhaka) and Director of Martial Law Communications and Control at Tejgaon (present day PM's Office). Government intelligence had failed and President Ziaur Rahman promptly dismissed
1530-678: A short visit and was struck by the negative attitude of the Bengali middle class towards the military, which consumed a large chunk of the country's resources. The low representation of the Bengalis in the military was largely due to discrimination, but Ziaur Rahman felt that the Bengali attitude towards the military perhaps prevented promising young Bengali from seeking military careers. As a Bengali army officer, he advocated military careers for Bengali youth. After serving for two years in Karachi, he
1615-441: A single rifle shot, signalling the start of the uprising, which soon spread to other areas, including Rangpur and Chittagong . Crowds poured into the streets of Dhaka to support the soldiers and shouted slogans, such as "সিপাহী সিপাহী ভাই ভাই, অফিসারদের রক্ত চাই!" ("Soldiers are brothers, want the blood of the officers!"). The mood in the city was described as "exuberant" by Lawrence Lifschultz. Civilians and soldiers piled onto
1700-468: A status appropriate to their qualifications and seniority. While this angered some veterans of the independence war, who had rapidly reached high positions following independence in 1971, Ziaur Rahman sent discontented officers on diplomatic missions abroad to defuse unrest. Ziaur Rahman became the President of Bangladesh on 21 April 1977. Years of disorder from the previous political administration of
1785-688: The 7 November coup (the Sipahi–Janata Revolution ) within the military to gain control at the helm. Ziaur Rahman gained the de facto power as head of the government under martial law imposed by the Justice Sayem government . He took over the presidency in 1977. As president in 1978, Ziaur Rahman founded Bangladesh Nationalist Party. He reinstated multi-party politics , freedom of the press , free speech and free markets and accountability. He initiated mass irrigation and food production programmes, including social programmes to uplift
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#17327799435171870-698: The Awami League and BAKSAL had left most of Bangladesh's state institutions in disarray, with constant internal and external threats. After becoming president in 1977, Ziaur Rahman lifted martial law and introduced massive reforms for the development of the country. In late September 1977, a failed coup against his administration occurred. A group of Japanese Red Army terrorists hijacked Japan Airlines Flight 472 from India, armed with weapons and ammunition and forced it to land in Tejgaon International Airport . On 30 September, while
1955-519: The Jatiyo Samajtantrik Dal (JSD or National Socialist Party) under retired Lieutenant Colonel Abu Taher and a group of socialist military officers. Khaled Mosharraf was killed by his subordinate officers while he was sheltering with them from the mutineers. Shafaat Jamil escaped but was injured, while Ziaur Rahman was freed by the 2nd Artillery Regiment under Lt. Col. Rashid and re-appointed as army chief of staff with full support of
2040-667: The Khemkaran sector in Punjab as the commander of a company (military unit) of 100–150 soldiers. Ziaur Rahman was awarded Hilal-i-Jur'at for gallantry by the Pakistan government medal, Pakistan's second highest military award, and the first Battalion of the East Bengal Regiment (EBR) under which he fought won 3 Sitara-e-Jurat (Star of Courage) medals, and 8 Tamgha-i-Jurat (Medal of Courage) medals, for their role in
2125-466: The Sipahi–Janata Revolution ( Bengali : সিপাহী–জনতার বিপ্লব , romanized : Sipāhī–Jônôtār Biplôb , lit. 'Soldier–People's Revolution'), was launched by left-wing soldiers ( Sipahi ) of Biplobi Shainik Sangstha (BSS) under the leadership of Col. (retd.) Abu Taher . The coup was primarily the result of the previous 3 November 1975 Bangladesh coup d'état , organised by Brig. Khaled Mosharraf against those involved in
2210-430: The president . The coup ended the violent political chaos and power struggle that started after the assassination of Sheikh Mujib. The National Revolution and Solidarity Day is observed annually in Bangladesh on 7 November commemorating the event. After the 1971 Independence War , Awami League leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman became the first president of Bangladesh , whose reign become increasingly unpopular among
2295-463: The "Village Defence Party" system of security and crime prevention. Programmes to promote primary and adult education on a mass scale were initiated and focused mainly across rural Bangladesh. During this period, Bangladesh's economy achieved fast economic and industrial growth. Ziaur Rahman began reorienting Bangladesh's foreign policy, addressing the concerns of the mostly staunch rightists coupled with some renegade leftist who believed that Bangladesh
2380-503: The 10 Bengal Regiment headquarters, Col. Nawazesh ordered the soldiers not to harm the three officers. However, after the uprising, the soldiers were defiant and refused to listen to Col. Nawazesh's orders. Fearing for his own life, Col. Nawazesh did nothing to stop the soldiers from killing Mosharraf. An eyewitness claimed that Cap. Asad and Cap. Jalil ordered their soldiers to kill the three officers. Mosharraf and Huda were dragged out of an office and killed by automatic gunfire, while Haider
2465-653: The 15-year-old daughter of Iskandar Majumder and Taiyaba Majumder from the Feni District (part of then Noakhali District). Khaleda Khanam Putul, later known as Khaleda Zia , went on serve as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh three times. At the time, Ziaur Rahman was a captain in the Pakistan Army, who was posted as an Officer of the Defence Forces. His father, Mansur Rahman could not attend
2550-690: The 1965 War with India. In 1966, Ziaur Rahman was appointed military instructor at the Pakistan Military Academy, later going on to attend the Command and Staff College in Quetta , Pakistan, he completed a course in command and tactical warfare. Ziaur Rahman helped raise two Bengali battalions called the 8th and 9th Bengals during his stint as instructor. Around the same time, his wife Khaleda Zia, now 24, gave birth to their first child Tarique Rahman on 20 November 1966. Ziaur Rahman joined
2635-768: The 2nd East Bengal regiment as its second-in-command at Joydebpur in Gazipur district, near Dhaka, in 1969, and travelled to West Germany to receive advanced military and command training from the British Army of the Rhine and later spent a few months with the British Army. Ziaur Rahman returned to Pakistan the following year. He was posted in Chittagong , East Pakistan in October 1970 to be second-in-command of
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2720-412: The 8th East Bengal Regiment. East Pakistan had been devastated by the 1970 Bhola cyclone , and the population had been embittered by the slow response of the central government and the political conflict between Pakistan's two major parties, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Awami League , and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto 's Pakistan People's Party (PPP). In the 1970 Pakistani general election , the Awami League had won
2805-548: The Academy School in Karachi in 1947. Ziaur Rahman spent his adolescent years in Karachi and by age 16, completed his secondary education from that School in 1952. In 1953, Ziaur Rahman was admitted into the D. J. Sindh Government Science College . In the same year, he joined the Pakistan Military Academy at Kakul as a cadet. In August 1960, his marriage was arranged to Khaleda Khanam Putul,
2890-458: The BNP, remains a major force alongside its rival, the Awami League, with his widow, Khaleda Zia , leading the party and serving two terms as prime minister . Ziaur Rahman was born on 19 January 1936 to a Bengali Muslim family of Mandals in the village of Bagbari in Gabtali , Bogra District . His father, Mansur Rahman, was a chemist who specialised in paper and ink chemistry and worked for
2975-720: The Bangladesh Jute and Rice research institutes. He launched an ambitious rural development programme in 1977, which included a highly visible and popular food-for-work programme. He promoted private sector development, exports growth and the reversing of the collectivisation of farms. His government reduced quotas and restrictions on agriculture and industrial activities. Ziaur Rahman launched major projects to construct irrigation canals, power stations, dams, roads and other public works. Directing his campaign to mobilise rural support and development, Ziaur Rahman established Gram Sarkar ( Village Councils ) system of self-government and
3060-601: The Bangladesh War of Independence. Quietly Ershad rose to become Zia's close political and military counsellor. In 1978, General Ziaur Rahman ran for and an overwhelmingly won a five-year term as president. The next year elections were held for the National Assembly. Opponents questioned the integrity of the elections. Zia allowed Sheikh Hasina , the exiled daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, to return to Bangladesh in 1981. On taking power, Ziaur Rahman
3145-538: The DG-NSI and the DFI chief, AVM Aminul Islam Khan, of 9th GD (P) formerly coursemate of AVM A. K. Khandkar of Pakistan Air Force . Under Zia's presidential directive, Hamidullah initiated the transfer of DFI at Old Bailey Road from the ministry of defence to Dhaka Cantonment under direct control of the president and reorganised as DGFI. In the aftermath, at least 200 soldiers involved in the coup attempt were executed following
3230-468: The Declaration of Independence that was earlier (in early hours of 26 March 1971) proclaimed by the undisputed Bengali leader Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, before his (Ziaur Rahman) arrest on 27 March 1971 from Kalurghat , Chittagong, as an Army officer's words would carry weight restoring people's trust in the 'Declaration of Independence', which read: I, Major Ziaur Rahman, Provincial Head of
3315-572: The Organization of Muslim Nations, a move that was widely welcomed by the general public. However, many historians argue that these actions might have alienated Bangladesh's tribal and religious minorities. During Ziaur Rahman's regime, at least 20 military coup attempts took place. It is claimed that many soldiers and military officials either disappeared or were killed during Zia's reigme. On one occasion, about 1,143 people were hanged in various Bangladeshi prisons, on charges of participating in
3400-590: The Presidency of Hussain Muhammad Ershad with the first meeting of the South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation in Dhaka. Zia's vision has earned him a posthumous award from the organisation. Ziaur Rahman believed that a massive section of the population was suffering from an identity crisis, both religious and as a people, with a very limited sense of sovereignty. To remedy this he began
3485-548: The absence of a vice president . In reminiscence to the uprising, 7 November is observed as the National Revolution and Solidarity Day in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which was founded by Ziaur Rahman after he became president, commemorates the day and regards the military coup a "civil military uprising". While Taher's party, the JaSaD, observes it as "Sipahi–Janata Revolution Day". On
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3570-1123: The acting chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Bangladesh Nationalist Party continues to hold this legacy and many things named after him after his death. Turkey posthumously named a road in Ankara as Ziaur Rahman Caddesi in his honour. In 2004, Ziaur Rahman was ranked number 19 in the BBC 's poll of the Greatest Bengali of all time . Zia was also honoured by the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation for his statesmanship and vision. Other honours include: Footnotes Citations 7 November 1975 Bangladesh coup d%27%C3%A9tat [REDACTED] Abu Taher [REDACTED] [REDACTED] Khaled Mosharraf † [REDACTED] Khondkar Nazmul Huda † [REDACTED] A.T.M. Haider † The 7 November 1975 Bangladesh coup d'état , also known as
3655-462: The assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman , which BSS perceived to be counter-revolutionary. On 7 November, BSS affiliated soldiers, along with the support from the general masses, revolted against Khaled and other officers of Bangladesh Army and snatched the power. The coup resulted in the death of Brig. Gen. Khaled Mosharraf and many other officers. During the coup, Ziaur Rahman was freed from house arrest, enabling him to seize power and become
3740-539: The attention of the government was riveted on this crisis situation, due to spreading of panic and disinformation actions went under way in Bogra Cantonment where a revolt broke out. Although, the revolt was quickly quelled on the night of 2 October, another revolt started in Dhaka cantonment, led by misinformed airmen of Bangladesh Air Force (BAF). Armed units from these army and air force personnel unsuccessfully attacked Zia's residence, captured Dhaka Radio for
3825-679: The country's Liberation War from Pakistan in 1971. He broadcast the declaration of independence on 27 March from Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra radio station in Kalurghat , Chittagong. During the war in 1971, Ziaur was a Bangladesh Forces Commander of BDF Sector 1 initially, and from June as BDF Commander of BDF Sector 11 of the Bangladesh Forces and the Brigade Commander of Z Force from mid-July. After
3910-404: The country, preaching the "politics of hope" and urging Bangladeshis to work harder and to produce more. He held cabinet meetings all across Bangladesh. Ziaur Rahman focused on boosting agricultural and industrial production, especially in food and grains, and to integrate rural development through a variety of programmes, of which population planning was the most important. He introduced and opened
3995-526: The creation of a classless society . On the evening of 6 November, a meeting was held to finalise the plans for the uprising. According to the plans of the meeting, there would be two stages in the revolt, firstly to free Ziaur Rahman from detention and secondly, to implement the 12 demands of the BSS. The uprising began soon after midnight on 7 November in Dhaka Cantonment , when Subedar Mehboob fired
4080-531: The disorder had to be suppressed firmly if discipline was to be restored in the Bangladesh Army. Ziaur Rahman cracked down on the JSD and Gonobahini . Abu Taher was sentenced to death in July 1976 and other party figures received various terms of imprisonment. Taher was executed on 21 July 1976. Ziaur Rahman became the chief martial law administrator the same year. He tried to integrate the armed forces, giving repatriates
4165-568: The event which's known as the Jail Killing . Mostaq was replaced by Abu Sadat Mohammad Sayem , the first Chief Justice of Bangladesh . The uprising was planned and conducted by the Biplobi Shainik Sangstha (BSS), a "vaguely socialist and egalitarian " organisation, formed by the JaSaD. On each night between 4 November and 6 November, BSS held regular secret meetings under it's leader Col. (retd.) Abu Taher . Taher
4250-517: The former member of the parliament from Khagrachari constituency, was appointed as chairman of Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Board. In 2009, Bir Bahadur was appointed again as the chairman of this agency. Afterwards, Naba Bikram Kishore Tripura was the chairman of the board in 2013 and served till 2021. This Bangladesh -related article is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Ziaur Rahman Ziaur Rahman BU HJ HOR (19 January 1936 – 30 May 1981)
4335-1012: The government, do hereby declare the Independence of the People's Republic of Bangladesh. But his (Ziaur Rahman) proclamation as the " Provincial Head " of the government, was much criticised and rebuked by the political leaders present there and he realised his mistake. Later on the same day (27 March), a second broadcast was read as correction: I, Major Ziaur Rahman, do hereby declare the Independence of Bangladesh on behalf of our great leader Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Later in an interview with German Radio, Ziaur Rahman talked about his 27 March announcement. Ziaur Rahman organised an infantry unit gathering all Bengali soldiers from military and EPR units in Chittagong. He designated it Sector No. 1 with its HQ in Sabroom. A few weeks later, he
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#17327799435174420-595: The highly controversial anti-independence figure Shah Azizur Rahman (who was earlier released from jail by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1973 ) as prime minister. Ziaur Rahman gave foreign appointments to several men accused of assassinating Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Major Dalim, Major Rashid and Major Faruk were given jobs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and in subsequent years, they were appointed ambassadors of Bangladesh to African and Middle Eastern nations. The Indemnity Ordinance (which gave immunity from legal action to
4505-621: The issues of the Chittagong Hill Tracts conflict . The board was formed in 1976 through the Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Board Ordinance. The first chairman from civil administration is Bir Bahadur Ushwi Sing , an MP of the Bangladesh Parliament who was elected from Bandarban constituency and the current State Minister, Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs. He was appointed in 1996. Later in 2002, Wadud Bhuiyan ,
4590-565: The lives of the people. His government initiated efforts to create a regional group in South Asia , which later became SAARC in 1985. He improved Bangladesh's relations with the West and China, and departed from Sheikh Mujib's close alignment with India. Domestically, Ziaur faced as many as twenty-one coup attempts for which military tribunals were set up, resulting in at least 200 soldiers of Army and Air Force officers being executed, earning him
4675-439: The marriage ceremony, as he was in Karachi. Zia's mother had died earlier. Graduating from the Pakistan Military Academy at 12th PMA long course on 18 September 1955 in the top 10% of his class, Ziaur Rahman was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Pakistan Army. In the army, he received commando training, became a paratrooper and received training in a special intelligence course. Ziaur Rahman went to East Pakistan on
4760-552: The nation's standing in the Middle East. According to historian Tazeen M. Murshid, one aim of these policies was to open the Gulf states to manpower exports. In this Zia was successful, and remittances became an important part of the Bangladeshi economy. Ziaur Rahman also proposed an organisation of the nations of South Asia to bolster economic and political co-operation at a regional level. This proposal materialised in 1985 under
4845-497: The nationality of the citizens from Bengali, an ethnic identity, to Bangladeshi, a national identity, under sovereign allegiance not political belief or party affiliation. However, Bangladeshi nationalism excluded the country's non-Muslim minorities, particularly the Hindu community. After the formation of Bangladesh Nationalist Party in 1978, Ziaur Rahman took initiative for formation of political institutes and sponsored workshops for
4930-411: The new Mostaq government. Brig. Khaled Mosharraf , the chief of general staff, had asked Zia to restore the chain of command in the army and Zia proved unwilling or unable to do so. As a result, Brig. Khaled and other officers including Col. Shafaat Jamil and Lt. Col. A. T. M. Haider staged 3 November 1975 coup , subsequently removing Khondaker Mostaq from power and detaining Zia at house. The coup
5015-484: The people of the country. This led to the rise of a left-wing insurgency by the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JaSaD), whose aim was to create a socialist state through armed revolution . His three-year long regime failed to deter the insurgency due to "his misplaced confidence on people's power". He was assassinated in the 15 August 1975 military coup and was replaced by Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad as
5100-521: The persons involved in the assassination of president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, coups and other political events between 1975 and 1979) was proclaimed by Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad in 1975 president, ratified in the Parliament as the Indemnity Act, and incorporated as the 5th amendment to the constitution during the tenure of President Hussain Muhammad Ershad. During his term of power, Ziaur Rahman
5185-532: The president. Khondaker Mostaq replaced the Bangladesh Army chief , Maj. Gen. K M Shafiullah , with Maj. Gen. Ziaur Rahman , the deputy Army chief. Mostaq formed his own ministry , comprising the members from the Awami League and the military. But the army officers involved in Sheikh Mujib's assassination broke the army's chain of command, as these young officers "began acting like generals" in
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#17327799435175270-413: The rank and file of the armed forces. Brigadier Khaled Mosharraf and the 46th Brigade of Dhaka Cantonment under Colonel Shafaat Jamil revolted against Khandaker Mushtaq Ahmed 's administration on 3 November 1975, and Ziaur Rahman was forced to relinquish his post and put under house arrest. This was followed on 7 November by Sipahi–Janata Revolution ( Soldier–People's Revolution ), a mutiny staged by
5355-494: The rank and file of the army. Following a meeting at army headquarters, an interim government was formed with Justice Abu Sadat Mohammad Sayem as chief martial law administrator and Ziaur Rahman, Air Vice Marshal M. G. Tawab and Rear Admiral M. H. Khan as his deputies. However, discipline in the army had totally collapsed and it was difficult to disarm the soldiers supported by JSD and Lt. Col. Taher, as they plotted another coup to remove Ziaur Rahman. Ziaur Rahman realised that
5440-409: The regional BNP. Ziaur Rahman and his entourage stayed overnight at the Chittagong Circuit House . In the early hours of the morning of 30 May, he was assassinated by a group of army officers. Also killed were six of his bodyguards and two aides. Nearly two million people are estimated to have attended the funeral held at the Parliament Square. Many Bangladeshi politicians consider Ziaur Rahman
5525-400: The republic from the secularism laid out by Sheikh Mujib and his supporters. However, critics of this accusation say the rationale is absurd and an oversimplification since secular leaders like Gamal Abdel Nasser and Ahmed Ben Bella adopted this policy, and that religious slogans and symbolism are also used by the Awami League. Later, Ziaur Rahman introduced Islamic religious education as
5610-577: The seizures of power by military coups between 1975 and 1979, including Zia's military regime, as "unlawful and unconstitutional". Zia's martial law decrees, his ascendancy to the presidency in 1977 and the election held in 1978 were declared "unknown to the constitution". The court ruling over-ruled the Indemnity Act by which these very events were accorded a legal status and enshrined in the constitution. Zia rejected Sheikh Mujib's one-party state policy and reintroduced multi-party democracy, which also permitted Islamist politics. He also brought Bangladesh into
5695-495: The support of ordinary Bangladeshi people. Zia's role after 15 August 1975 assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family remains controversial. The Indemnity Act, an ordinance ordered by Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad in 1975 pardoning the subsequently convicted killers of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was not abolished by Rahman during his tenure as president. Some killers of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family were sent abroad during his time as president. The Dhaka High Court declared
5780-490: The tanks of the 1st Bengal Lancers Regiment, which came out into the streets in support of the revolt. Many people came out of the houses and celebrated the uprising with the soldiers. On the other side, Ziaur Rahman was freed from house arrest by soldiers and taken to the headquarters of the 2nd Field Artillery regiment, where he met Taher. Witnesses claim that Zia embraced Taher and thanked him for saving his life. Khaled Mosharraf and his associates were at Bangabhaban when
5865-427: The third chief of army staff from 1975 to 1978 with a minor break. Ziaur, sometimes known as Zia, was born in Gabtali and trained at the Pakistan Military Academy in Abbottabad . He served as a commander in the Pakistan Army in the Second Kashmir War against the Indian Army for which he was awarded the Hilal-e-Jurrat from the Pakistani government . Ziaur was a prominent Bangladesh Forces commander during
5950-409: The uprising began. Upon realising that their 3 November coup had been undone, Mosharraf, A.T.M. Haider and Khondkar Nazmul Huda left Bangabhaban to seek safety at the headquarters of the 10 Bengal Regiment. Although the soldiers of the 10 Bengal had no direct link to the Biplobi Shainik Sangstha, they learned of the mutiny. The commanding officer of the 10 Bengal Regiment, Col. Nawazesh Uddin , held
6035-405: The war, Ziaur became a brigade commander in Bangladesh Army and later the deputy chief of staff and then chief of staff of Bangladesh Army. His ascent to leadership of the country resulted from the political crisis that had begun with the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman , the founding president of Bangladesh in 15 August 1975 military coup , followed by 3 November coup and then finally
6120-620: The youth to get active political lessons on Bangladesh nationalism. In such a workshop in September 1980, Ziaur Rahman spoke to the learners. Ziaur Rahman enacted several controversial measures, some to discipline the army, some to solidify his power and some to win the support of Islamist political groups such as the Jamaat-e-Islami . Zia also facilitated the comeback of the Muslim League and other Islamic parties, appointed
6205-524: Was "hailed as the strict leader that the struggling nation needed". Bangladesh suffered from illiteracy, severe poverty, chronic unemployment, shortages and economic stagnation. Ziaur Rahman reversed course from his predecessor Mujib's secular, democratic socialist, pro-Indian policies. Ziaur Rahman announced a "19-point programme" of economic emancipation which emphasised self-reliance, rural development, decentralisation, free markets and population control. Ziaur Rahman spent much of his time travelling throughout
6290-498: Was a Bangladesh Forces Commander of BDF Sector 1 initially, and from June as BDF commander of BDF Sector 11 of the Bangladesh Forces and the Brigade Commander of Z Force from mid-July. Zia, who already by then geared to revolt against the government of Pakistan revolted and later arrested and executed his commanding officer Lt. Col. Janjua. He was requested by the local Awami League supporters and leaders, to announce
6375-462: Was a Bangladeshi military officer, freedom fighter and politician who served as the sixth President of Bangladesh from 1977 until his assassination in 1981. One of the leading figures of country's Liberation War , he broadcast the Bangladeshi declaration of independence on 27 March 1971 from Chittagong . He was the founder of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). He previously served as
6460-432: Was a retired army officer and freedom fighter who joined the JaSaD and led its armed branches. On 5 November, the BSS distributed thousands of leaflets among soldiers and urban workers accusing Mosharraf of being in leagues with India in taking over the country, and preparing a general uprising. Furthermore, the BSS issued a list of 12 demands , which included the establishment of a classless armed forces , to facilitate
6545-409: Was added, replacing the socialist commitment to secularism . Socialism was redefined as "economic and social justice" under his leadership. In Article 25(2), Ziaur Rahman introduced the principle that "the state shall endeavour to consolidate, preserve and strengthen fraternal relations among Muslim countries based on Islamic solidarity." Some intellectuals accuse Ziaur Rahman of changing the nature of
6630-400: Was appointed the commander of the first conventional brigade of the Bangladesh Forces, which was named "Z Force", after the first initial of his name. His brigade consisted of 1st, 3rd and 8th East Bengali regiments, enabling Ziaur Rahman to launch major attacks on Pakistani forces. With the Z Force, Ziaur Rahman "acquired a reputation for icy bravery" according to The New York Times , and
6715-535: Was awarded the Bir Uttom , the second-highest military honour (and the highest for living officers) by the Government of Bangladesh. A deep conspiracy with the purpose of removing Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from the helm was well under way long before his assassination by outside forces and internal collaborators within Bangladesh. On 15 August 1975, President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family were assassinated in
6800-446: Was criticised for ruthless treatment of his army opposition. Although he enjoyed overall popularity and public confidence, Zia's rehabilitation of some of the most controversial men in Bangladesh aroused fierce opposition from the supporters of the Awami League and veterans of its Mukti Bahini . Amidst speculation and fears of unrest, Ziaur Rahman went on tour to Chittagong on 29 May 1981 to help resolve an intra-party political dispute in
6885-577: Was killed by a single shot, after Haider tried to reach for his pistol. In Bangladesh: A Legacy of Blood , Anthony Mascarenhas wrote that the killings of other army officers began on 8 November. Because many officers did not agree with the 12 demands of the BSS, which resulted in serious confrontations between officers and their troops. In Dhaka and Rangpur, 40 officers, mostly freedom fighters, were killed by their troops and enlisted men were reported to have ripped badges off officer's lapels. 65% of all officers in Bangladesh lost control of their troops as
6970-591: Was perceived to be Mujibist by the JaSaD and considered this a return of the previous regime. Khondaker Mostaq requested that those involved in Sheikh Mujib's assassination should be allowed to safely leave Bangladesh, which Khaled agreed to. Before the assassins left, they killed four national leaders of Bangladesh, who were imprisoned in Dhaka Central Jail : Syed Nazrul Islam , Muhammad Mansur Ali , Abul Hasnat Muhammad Qamaruzzaman and Tajuddin Ahmed ,
7055-752: Was reliant on Indian economic and military aid. Ziaur Rahman moved away from India and the Soviet bloc , his predecessors' had worked with, developing closer relations with the United States and Western Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Ziaur Rahman also moved to harmonise ties with Saudi Arabia and the People's Republic of China, Pakistan's ally who had opposed Bangladesh's creation and had not recognised it until 1975. Rahman moved to normalise relations with Pakistan. While distancing Bangladesh from India, Ziaur Rahman sought to improve ties with other Islamic nations. Zia's move towards Islamic state policies improved
7140-547: Was transferred to Teldhala where he organised and created Sector 11. All sectors were restructured officially under Bangladesh Forces as the sector in the Chittagong and Hill Tracts area , under Colonel M. A. G. Osmani , the Supreme Commander of Bangladesh Forces, of the Provisional Government of Bangladesh which had its headquarters on Theatre Road, Calcutta in India. On 30 July 1971, Ziaur Rahman
7225-547: Was transferred to the East Bengal Regiment in 1957. He attended military training schools of British Army . He also worked in the military intelligence department from 1959 to 1964. Ayub Khan 's military rule from 1958 to 1968 convinced Ziaur Rahman of the need for a fundamental change in the Bengali attitude towards the military. During the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 , Ziaur Rahman saw combat in
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