Inside Bangladesh Army after August 15 assassination: Major Hafizuddin’s account of coup aftermath

After the assassination of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on August 15, 1975, many of the army officers involved in the coup returned to the cantonment. Immediately after, the situation inside the cantonment began to change. What happened at the top level of the army at that time? What did the officers involved in the killing do then? Major Hafizuddin Ahmed (who went on to become the acting President of Bangladesh) has highlighted the events of that time in his book, Sainik Jiban Gouraber 71 Roktakto 75 (Soldier’s Life: Glory of ’71, Bloody ’75). Let us look at the events of those days in the words of Major Hafizuddin.

Major Rashid’s Cold Announcement

The day was Friday. It was around 5:45 AM. The calling bell of Major Hafizuddin Ahmed’s residence was ringing continuously. Opening the drawing room door, he saw the CO of the Second Field Artillery, Major Rashid, and a staff officer of the Army Headquarters, Major Amin Ahmed Chowdhury, standing there. In a calm and cold voice, Rashid said, “We have done it. Sheikh Mujib has been killed”. Major Hafizuddin Ahmed noticed that a vehicle-load of artillery soldiers had entered through his house gate along with Major Rashid, and they had taken alert positions just outside the drawing room. In a commanding tone, Major Rashid ordered him to go to Brigade Commander Colonel Shafaat and asked Hafiz to accompany them. Seeing the presence of the armed soldiers, Hafiz agreed to go.

A Confrontation at Colonel Shafaat’s Residence

Getting ready within two minutes, they reached the residence of Brigade Commander Colonel Shafaat. Wearing a lungi and a shirt, Colonel Shafaat came to the drawing room and wanted to know the reason for their visit so early in the morning. Major Rashid replied, “Sir, we have killed President Sheikh Mujib. Do not take any kind of action against us. If you do, a civil war will break out”. Without waiting for any response, Rashid immediately walked out of the room.

Colonel Shafaat was completely stunned. At that moment, the red telephone in his bedroom rang. Colonel Shafaat answered the call and returned to report that the Chief of Army Staff, General Shafiullah, had called. The Army Chief wanted to know who had attacked the President’s house at Dhanmondi Road No. 32 a short while ago, noting that the President had instructed the Army Chief to send forces to rescue him.

Meeting with Major General Ziaur Rahman

After some time, Major Hafizuddin Ahmed and Colonel Shafaat went to the residence of Major General Ziaur Rahman (then Deputy Chief of Army Staff). Ziaur Rahman himself opened the door. He was wearing a white pajama, a white half-sleeved undershirt, and was in the middle of shaving, with white shaving cream on his face and a towel on his shoulder. He asked, “What happened?”.

Colonel Shafaat informed him about the assassination of President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Ziaur Rahman replied indifferently, “So what? President has been killed. Vice President is there. We will uphold the constitution. Go and get your troops ready”.

Tension at the First East Bengal Regiment

From Ziaur Rahman’s residence, Colonel Shafaat and Major Hafizuddin first went to the First East Bengal Regiment. Other officers also arrived there, with tension visible on everyone’s faces. Colonel Shafaat asked the other officers about the reaction of the soldiers. The officers briefly replied that the soldiers were cheering and expressing joy.

While Major Motiur (CO of the First East Bengal), Colonel Shafaat, and Major Hafizuddin were standing on the veranda talking, the adjutant came and informed them that the Chief of General Staff (CGS), Brigadier Khaled Mosharraf, was on the telephone and wanted to speak to the Brigade Commander. Colonel Shafaat spoke with Khaled Mosharraf, informed him of their position, and told him that they had come to the First Bengal.

Brigadier Khaled Mosharraf’s Stance

Around 7:30 AM, as soon as Khaled Mosharraf arrived at the First Bengal, everyone surrounded him. Everyone had the same question: “What is happening?”. Khaled Mosharraf informed them that the soldiers of the Second Field Artillery and First Bengal Lancer had moved into the city with guns and tanks the previous night, and shortly before sunrise, they went to Dhanmondi Road No. 32 and assassinated the President.

Colonel Shafaat asked Khaled Mosharraf, “The Tank Regiment is under your command. Why have they taken positions in my unit area?”. Khaled Mosharraf replied, “They moved without my instructions. They are rebels”. Colonel Shafaat asked what should be done. Khaled Mosharraf thought for a moment and said, “Let us bargain with them”. At that moment, the Army Chief, Major General Shafiullah, called and asked Khaled Mosharraf to come to the Army Headquarters. Khaled Mosharraf then left for the Army Headquarters.

The Service Chiefs Convene

Shortly after 9:00 AM, a large motorcade arrived at the First Bengal. First came the Army Chief Shafiullah, then the Navy Chief Rear Admiral M.H. Khan, and Major General Ziaur Rahman, who sat down for a discussion. After the discussion, when the Army Chief came out, everyone asked what was happening.

The Army Chief informed them about the assassination of President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and that Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad was taking over as President. He also added that they were waiting for him at the radio station. The Army Chief looked at everyone and asked, “What can be done now?”. Three or four officers standing on the veranda, and even the Navy Chief, told the Army Chief, “Sir, you should go. Please save the situation. Bring things under control”.

At that moment, Major Dalim stepped forward and said in a sharp, demanding voice, “Sir, make it quick. The President is waiting”. Afterward, the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force got into the car and started their journey toward the radio station.

Ziaur Rahman’s Office Return and Loyalty Declarations

During this time, Major General Ziaur Rahman was standing silently on one side. Major Hafizuddin Ahmed went up to him and asked if he was going to the radio station. In an indifferent voice, Ziaur Rahman replied, “No, I am going to my office”.

Major Hafizuddin and Colonel Shafaat stayed at the First Bengal and kept getting updates about the latest situation of different units over the telephone. After some time, they heard on the radio that Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad had formally assumed the presidency. The chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, on behalf of their respective forces, expressed their loyalty and support to Khondaker Mostaq. Once the force chiefs declared their loyalty, the situation in every cantonment quietened down.

From the original Bangla: https://www.thedailystar.net/star-multimedia/news/what-happened-cantonment-after-bangabandhus-assassination-aug-15-major-hafizs-words-4249606.