Reply to some disinformation and misleading propaganda

‘Soldiers and people’s Revolution’ of 7th November is a glaring example of patriotism therefore, celebrated with due respect. I have written detail account of this event earlier in my book ‘National Revolution and solidarity day 1975’. Therefore I shall not deliberate on this day here once again. However, ever since as lot of lies and disinformation are being deliberatedly propagated about this day’s event to misguide the people I deem it appropriate to retariate some facts to counter those malicious propagandas at the same time for the readers to can know the truth.

The even of 7th November was not an isolated event. Liberation war of 71’, independence of Bangladesh, usurpation of state power by the despotic Awami-Bakshalites with the help of India though the country was liberated through a bloody national liberation war, unbearable situation where the whole nation was gasping helplessly under the steam roller of one party dictatorship of sheik Mujib, the new born country being stigmatized as a ‘Bottomless Basket’ due to wanton loot and plunder, uneven treaty of slavery for 25 years, introduction of one party ruthless dictatorship by sheikh Mujib, killing democracy,  gagging freedom of speech and Media, snatching all fundamental rights of the people just to perpetuate his own dynastical power and attempt of turning Bangladesh as a client state of India forced the patriotic armed forces under the leadership of Sena Parishad to stage the histiorical uprising of 15th August 1975 removing one party despotic Bakshal regime of Mujib to free the nation from breathless suffocation and regain democratic and fundamental rights. There after, pro Awami League mid night reactionary putch organized with Indian support by Brigadier Khaled, Colonel Shafayet Jamil and their cohorts on 2-3 November and ‘Soldiers and people’s Revolution’ of 7th November were all coins of the same chain. But a particular party has been claiming that General Zia was installed in the centre of power due to 7th November revolution. It is claimed that it is General Zia who has reestablished democracy! Further more, it is also said that Zia is the sole champion of revolting against the brutal army operation launched by Pakistani military Junta at Chittagong in 1971. On 26-27 March night the declaration of independence of Bangladesh asking world support broadcasted from Kalur Ghat booster station were entirely Zia’s initiative.

How far such claims are justified? I am narrating some facts bellow to evaluate that by the readers.

When the Pakistani military Junta took the decision to launch a full fledged military operation in East Pakistan, the senior most Bengali officer Brigadier Majumdar along with his personal staff officer Captain

Amin Ahmed Choudhury were summoned to Dhaka for a conference and both on arrival were placed under detention.

A few says before the army crack down BDR HQ along with its

signal center was taken over by pak armyat Pilkhana, police line at Shanti Nagar and EBRC at Chittagong. All the Radio and TV centers were also taken over long before. The commanding officer of 8th East Bengal Regiment was a Punjabi officer Colonel Janjua. Major Zia was 2nd in command. Other officers were major Shawkat, Captain

Khalekuzzaman, Captain Bhuiya, Captain Mohsin, Leutinant Oli,

Leutinant Shamsher Mubin Choudhury etc. Colonel Choudhury was the Commandant of EBRC. Captain Rafiqul Islam was the BDR sector Commander at Chittagong. After getting the information that BDR HQ at Pilkhana was suddenly attacked by the Pak army at mid night on 25th March 1971, Captain Rafiq at his own had ordered all under his command to kill every non Bengali officers and Jawans and take over all the BOPs by the Bengali troops along the border. There after he went to the 8th Bengal HQ at Sholo Shahar. 8th Bengal Regiment was then deployed in the city around Hali Shahar area to maintain law and order.

At that time, Zia was on his way to Patenga port to supervise

unloading of the arms and ammunition from MV Swat anchored at the port complying with the order of his Commanding Officer. Zia was moving towards the port very slowly through thousands of people blocking the road and removing barycades erected by the crowd. At mid night suddenly Pak army units attacked the EBRC inside Chittagong Cantt and massadared thousands of unarmed recruites while they were sleeping along with colonel choudhury. Once the news of this tragic episode reached 8th Bengal HQ, all were dumfounded!

Bengali officers present apprehanded that Major Zia’s life was in

danger and most likely he would be killed at Patenga. Therefore, they immediately dispatched Captain Khalekuzzaman to contact Zia and inform him about the army operation inside the cantonment as wireless communication was not safe because his wireless operator and escort were all non Bengalies.

Capt. Khalekuzzaman drove fast and could manage to catch Zia near Hotel Agrabad and quietly gave the appoling news. Zia was perplexed and both thought thee is no way out but to revolt. So, they killed all non Bengalies accompanying him and returned to the 8th Bengal HQ.

There after a consencious decision Zia along few other officers went to the residence of the Commanding officer and waked him up and shot him down along with all the non Bengali guards. On return to the HQ Zia took over 8th East Bengal Regiment as Commander and Capt. Rafiq joined with him.

There after sporadic armed encounter spread all over the cantonment.

But soon it became necessary to organize the stray Bengali soldiers to be organized under a unified Command to prepare for a long drawn liberation war. It was also decided that it wouldn’t be possible to defend Chittagong fotr long against the heavily armed powerful Pak army in frontal battle. Accordingly, tactical decision was taken that 8th Bengal Regiment would withdraw from the city and take up defensive position across the Kalur Ghat bridge. Order was given to all armed Bengali soldiers to evaquet from the cantonment and city to join 8th Bengal. The order was complied with. It was also decided that Zia will announce the independence of Bangladesh using the booster station at Kalur ghat as the Radio and TV stations were heavily fortified by the Pak army. He would also ask the countrymen to organize a liberation war against occupying Pak army. Strenuous efforts of a young Radio engineer and his colleagues made it possible for Zia to give the historical declaration.

After that declaration people through out the country organized armed resistance centering around the Bengali members of BDR, Police, Ansars and Mujahid Corps. Many officers of civil service at District and Sub divitional level had also revolted and helped to organize armed resistance. Nurul Kader Khan, Towfiq Elahi Choudhury, Akbar Ali khan, Kamal Siddiqi, Mahbub Alam Chashi, Asaduzzaman, Towfiq Imam, Khosruzzaman, Oliur Rahman, Mamunur Rashid, Abdul Khaleq, Commandant of Sharda Police Academy, PSP officer Mahbub were among those.

Zia’s decleration of independence proclaiming himself as the head of state was not palatable to the Provisinal Bangladesh Government in exile as well as Indian rulling elites. Till this date Awami Bakshalites and India could not accept his declaration with grace. Attempts are being made to erase Zia’s name from the history.

Similarly, from the very on set of the liberation war Zia remained a suspect and eye sore to the provisional and Indian government. All through he remained a suspect to be an embitious man. That’s why he was removed from active command of No1 sector and dumped at the HQ of Theatre Road, Kolkata as a staff officer in the secretariat of Col. Osmani the Commander in Chief of Mukti Fauj. Later when decision was taken to raise two regular Brigade under Maj. Shafiullah and Maj. Khaleda Musarrof named ‘S’ and ‘K’ force,the patriotic freedom fighters were outrageous and under their pressure the provisional government and their master India was compeled to raise another Brigade named ‘Z’ force under command of Maj. Zia. The patriotic politicaly conscious freedom fighters later as members of the armed forces after independence organized Sena Parisad, a secrate organization within armed forces though intiative to lay the foundation was taken during liberation war. Since then the Sena Parisad imbued with the true spirit of nationalism and genuinely pro people democracy to materialize the dream of timming millions cherished in their hearts had been working strenuously to develop the organization taking along Zia as their central figure step by step. Since Zia voluteerly took the oath believing in the political philosophy and manifesto to be the member of Sena Parisad when approached during the war, its central leadership prudently decided to maintain secrecy about Zia’s affiliation with the organization for tactical reasons till the time was appropriate.

Soon after liberation suddeny the government of Mujib wanted to sent Zia being promoted as Colonel as military attache’ to either Burma, Belgium or East Germany. It was a sinister design of the government to get rid off Zia from the army. At that crucial time it was Sena Parisad which created a volatile situation within the army which forced the Priminister to abudon his evil desire. There after, when Shafiullah was was promoted as Major General and appointed as army chief superceeding Zia again an explosive situation was created within army against this gross injustice Sena Parisad playing vanguard roll as main catalyst behind the scene. Anticipating an explotion within armed forces Sheikh Mujib had to promote Zia to the equivalent rank of Safiullah and create a post of DCAS so that Zia does not have to serve under Safiullah as a PSO till Zia was not considered to be the army chief. In this case also Sena Parisad played the major role.

In view of the above after the successful revolutionary uprising of 15th August President Mushtaq had to appoint General Zia as the army chief of staff as the nominee of Sena Porisad removing General Safiullah. Similarly, AVM Tawab and Vice Admiral M A Khan were appointed as the air chief and naval chief accordingly.

At around mid night of 2-3ed November reactionary Putch leader Brigediar Khaled placed General Zia under house arrest and disconnected all his telephon lines. He also forced him to sign a blank paper later to be used that as his resignation letter. Thereafter He promoted himself to the rank of Major General and proclaimed to be the Chief of army staff. AVm Tawab and Vice Admiral M A Khan helped him to wore the rank badges. This was flashed in all the daily newspapers and electronic Media nex day. However, only within a span of three days on 7th November Sena Parishad and Biplobi Shoinik Sangstha spearheaded the successful uprising ousting the Putch leader Brig. Khaled and his cohorts. Brig. Khaled his close confidants Col. Nazmul huda, Major. Hayder and his child hood friend and brother in law K Q Huda got killed in the hands of the revolutionaries being unsuccessful to flee to India. Col. Shafayet Jamil, the Dhaka 46 Brigade Commander broke his leg while he and Major hafiz scaled the high walls of Banga Bhaban and jumped accross to flee. Both were arrested at Munshigonj by the revolutionaries. On the other hand, immediately after the victory Major Mohiuddin of 2nd Fd Artillery 4 East Bengal Regt, along with the revolutionary soldiers from Signal, Engineer, Ordinance, Medical Corps and HQ, E M E Battalion and MP Unit along with the tanks of Bengal Lancers went to free General Zia and brought him to 2nd Fd Regt chanting thundering predecided patriotic slogans.

When the revolutionaries went to free Zia, his betterhalf Khaleda was begging to the revolutionaries not to take him and Zia was begging to ensure his pension. At that time Maj. Mohiuddin to console both had said

Bhabi why are you so nervous and worried? Sir is our Chief and we are taking him to reinstall him to that post.

Only then both got relieved of any misgivings that might have been in their minds. About Zia’s security and on all other relevant matters directives were given to Maj. Mohiuddin by the leaders from Bangkok as and when required. Regarding this aspect more will be deliberated later in the book.

Democratic Centralism, deceipline, responsibility, secrecy and strict compartmentation regarding communication were some of the fundamentals that were mandatory for every member of the organization from grass root up to top leadership. The basic tenantsof Sena Parisad were- Nationalism, in the light of traditional cultural and religious values a genuine democracy, just socio economic society, human rights, to establish independent and fair judiciary and administration ensuring equal opportunity to exel every citizen’s creative telent and potential to gradually build a progressive and self reliant prosperous and glorified Bangladesh with peace and tranquility. This ideological mooring of Sena Parisad not attracted and had been acceptable to the freedom fighters alone but also majority of Bangladeshis. For security reason nothing much about the organizational activities of Sena Parisad, activities, popularity, contacts and exchange of views with various political parties, patriotic intellectuals, labor organizations, leaders of civic society, like minded businessmen, different student and youth organizations, Islamists were discussed with Gen. Zia. However, designaed leaders of Sena Parisad remained in touch with him strictly on need to know basis over important issues and relivent matters only.

On the off set of raising of the regular armed forces Maj. Jalil sought voluntarily retirement and Col. Taher resigned and both joined Jasad(JSD). At one point of time Bengal Tiger Col. Ziauddin resigned after publishing his historic article in the weekly Holiday and resigned and later joined Comrade hiraj Shikdar’s Sarbahara Party. The ideology of ‘Sientific Socialism’ negating the religious values was not palatable to the vast majorities equally, in the cry to establish  a classless society indiscriminate slaughtering of people were not acceptable acceptable to the masses. It did not take much time for Col. Taher and Maj. Jalil to realize the hard fact that JSD was a nihilist party, virtually was the ‘B’ team of Awami Leaguge. It was created by India to entrap the patriotic freedom fighters and people imbued with true independence and uproot them to perpetuate Indian domination on Bangladesh. Being frustrated both the patriots and die hard nationalist Col. Taher at his own initiative attempted to organize ‘Boiplobik Shoinik Sngstha’ within armed forces considering ‘political power grows out of barrale of guns’. But his lone effort could not derive desired result. He could make a few insignificant ‘cells’ within Dhaka cantonment only. This truth shall be unfolding clearly to the readers in the course of my writing.

The leadership had been not only maintaining contacts with JSD and Sharbahara parties alone but with politicaly conscious people from various spectrum of the society all through right from the beginning of the liberation war. Even with the patriotic and nationalist leaders and workers of Awami League as well. The process continued unabated even after liberation.

After the independence their had been no presence of rightist and religion based parties in the newly independent Bangladesh. Even then the leaders of the Sena Parisad prudently maintained contacts through different channels with the trusted leaders and the workers of all those parties and had provided protection to many from being butchered on behest of the ruling party of Sheikh Mujib, the lacky of India. Here I feel it a moral responsibility that many veteran and young leaders of Awami League who were sore at heart because of the subservience of Mujib and his government to India but were scared to openly protest fearing persecution did maintained contact with the leaders of Sena Parisad. In early 1975 when in the Parliament Mujib the supremo with out giving any chance to any one to speak in a Parliamentary session unilaterally killed democracy and had introduced one party dictatorship of BAKSAL declaring himself as President of the Republic to establish hereditary dynasty. In protest only two parliamentarians Banga Bir Gen. Osmani and Barrister Moinul Hussain resigned in protest and left the House. Though most of the parliamentarians resented such action to be preposterous but did not have the courage to raise their voice. Long time association and mutual trust was the basis for the leaders of Sena Parisad to maintain such contacts.

Once we planned and had tried to escape from West Pakistan along with Taher to join the liberation war. Though he could not come with us but later managed to escape and joined the liberation war as a freedom fighter and became one of the member of Sena Parisad. Same happened with Maj. Jalil as well. Later being frustrated with JSD politics though it was not possible for the both to join back Sena Parisad but our comradely relation remained till their last. Likewise, though there had been difference in political philosophy of Sena Parisad with Sharbo Hara Party and the leaders maintained cordial relation with Comrade Shiraj Shikdar and Col. Ziauddin all through. The basis was selfless patriotism and salvation of the timming millions of deprived and persecuted Bangladeshi people. In spite of having ideological differences we knew at any crucial juncture of the country and the people for greater interest keeping aside the difference we all could be easily united as one. I have dwelled in leanth on this in my earlier publication ‘Ja Dekhechi Ja Bujhechi Ja Korechi’.

During the fascist regeime of autocratic Mujib brutal murder of valiant freedom fighter Comrade Shiraj Shikdar in custody, to send Col Taher BU a brave soldier with craches to gallows by President Zia, manufectured uprisings and butchering hundred and thousands of patriotic members of armed forces mostly of Sena Parisad through mockery of trials in Kangaroo courts, in 1981 the hinious unlawful killing of Gen. Manzur, awarding death sentence to 17 brave freedom fighter senior army officers desired by Gen. Ershad, since 1996 up to Khaleda’s two third majority Jote Sharkar five noncompromising great patriotic decorated freedom fighter officers Col. Faruk, Col. Shahriyar, Maj. Huda(Ex Parliamentarian) Maj. Mohiuddin(who freed Zia from captivity on 7th November 1975)and diplomat Maj. Mohiuddin of Lancer all leaders of Sena Parisad and founders of the Bangladesh army who spearheaded the 15th Agusust revolutionary uprising and successfully freed the nation from the suffocation under the steam roller of one party tyrannical rule of BAKSHAL had to languish in the condemned cells of the prison over long 16 years due to stage managed criminal trial of a case called ‘Mujib Killing’ against the national heros initiated by Sheikh Hasina violating the Constitution. Later with the tacit support of Khaleda’s Jote Hasina comfortably succeeded to hang them in 2910. Khaleda Zia’s Jote never uttered a word and maintained misterious silence when arbitaraly Indemnitry Act was repealed by Shekh Hasina soon after she became the Prime Minister in 1996. They also not only remained silant but wel comed the hanging issuing statements in the Media though the entire civilized world and various human right organizations condemned and raised their voice against such sham trials and death penalty terming them ‘Judicial Murder of Hasina’ to avenge her despotic father’s unfortunate demise, BDR carnage has to be redressed by the councious Bangladeshis as moral obligation or else, the nation would not be able to free themselves from the appoling humiliation imposed by the immoral and treacherous power hungry so called national leaders every shade and color. The nation which can not give due respect to the national heros is bound to perish. This is a surk historical reality. But the writer has got a firm conviction that Bangladeshis are not a nation of that type.

After independence the revolutionary Comrade Shiraj Shikdar and his Sharba Hara party turned into a scarey opponent to mujib’s regime. Within two years they over run more than 60 Police tations and robbed over 20 banks. Such revolutionary brave activities were by and large wel comed by the people and attracted the youths across the country. However, their political philosophy of socialism void of religion and indiscriminate killing in the name of class struggle was not accepted by the God fearing majority of the people.

However, the than DIG Mr. E A Choudhury somehow managed to induct his brother in law into Sharba Hara Party as a spy and succeeded to arrest Comrade Shiraj Shikdar in Chittagong on the basis of information provided by that trecharous infiltrator. The same day he was brought to Dhaka and kept at the Rakkhi Bahini HQ at Sher e Bangla Nagar. There he was inhumanly been tortured at the personal order of Sheikh Mujib. The day Prime Minister Mujib wanted him to be killed under custody after a hot altercation between the two at Gono Bhaban, I along with Col. Nazmul Huda(Gudu Bhai, one of the accused in Agartala Conspiracy Case)with the permission of the Rakkhi Bahini DG, Brigadier Nuruzzaman went secretely to meet Shiraj Shikdar at mid night at the 2nd capital Rakkhi Bahini HQ. I had taken some fruits and eatables being a close aquentant but he was not in any position to eat.

We found him lying on the floor in a pool of blood unconscious. Bruzes of terrible third degree method of torture could be seen all over his body, a terrible sight indeed!Guddu Bhai had never seen him before, I had met him many times but at that night even for me it was hard to recognize the savagely mutilated face of leagendary  Lion of Bangladesh Comrade Shiraj Shikdar. We both could not bear the horrible ghastly scene for long and came out from the room with a heavy heart totally agonized. In the early hours of morning he was shot and murdered by the Police and his body was left at Savar. The very same day, the Prime Minister himself proudly thundered in the august Parliament, ‘where is Shiraj Shikdar to day’? The whole nation and the world became dumb founded with such irresponsible statement of Sheikh Mujib. By then all the newspapers and electronic Media had carried the news staing that he was shot and killed by police while attempting to flee, a total lie.  

This is how judicial murder in custody was initiated in Bangladsh during the reign of terror of Awami League government of Sheik Mujib. Non other but Sheikh Mujib the Prime Minister and Awami League supremo was responsible for this hinious crime of murder. After the sad demise of Comrade Shiraj Shikdar Col. Ziauddin as the party chief tried his utmost to keep the party intact but failed and the pary withered away like a comet in no time.

In the independent Bangladesh during short span of Awami- Bakshali rule more than 40000 political opposition leaders and worlers along with opponants from the masses were ruthlessly enihiliated by Rakkhi Bahini and goons of different other private Bahinies of the ruling party stalwarts who dared to raise their voice against the misrule, loot and plundering of national wealth and repression. JSD alone claimed that over 30000 of their party leaders and workers were murdered unlawfully by the tiranical fascist Awami-Bakshal regime of Sheikh Mujib. Presently, all those pseudo progressive leaders of the persecuted parties who with no remorse could walk on the blood of their martyred followers to jump into the boat of Sheikh Hasina and had become ministers for personal gains and to enjoy state power shall one day be thrown in the dust bin of history. Right from the beginning till this date on the soil of independent Bangladesh the number of Shaheeds surpasses thousand times more than the casualty that we had suffered fighting the liberation war. Isn’t it appropriate to try all the murderous rulers who had been ruling the country enjoying state power for more than 40 years? Be it Mujib, Zia, Ershad, Khaleda, Hasina, none can escape the charge of such criminal offence of cold blooded murders. This is a moral obligation much needed to ponder about by the conscious people of Bangladesh to put the record straight.      

Advanturism and romanticism can not be lasting creed for any political party no matter how stunning those might be unless people’s aspirations are not reflected in those activities. The end of JSD and Sarbahara Party are two glaring examples of that fact though for a while the people acclaimed their bravado. Acceptibility of these two parties were also limited. Both flared and got extinguished like a comet.

On the other hand Sena Parisad succeeded to organize a covert support base in favor of the uprising within the masses due to its credible ideology reflecting the aspiration of the people and correct strategy and tactics.

To understand the character of the spinless incompetent officers who were obliged by Sheikh Mujib promoting as Generals from Majors being his lakyes and the the relation between the writer and Gen. Zia, I deem it appropriate to quote a para from the book ‘Tinti Sena abvuthan and some untold words’ authored by Col. Hamid, Zia’s course mate and a repatriate officer.

“On 15th August morning around 8am almost all the senior officers from their units had been coming at the army HQ to know the real situation. I also entered the office of DMO col. Nuruddin. About 15/20 senior officers by then had assembled at his office and keenly listening to a transistor kept on the table. I wanted to know from Nuruddin what is the news. He replied, ‘Sir, I know as much as you know. At the moment all news are there’. He pointed to the transistor. At that point of time I saw two Jeeps with troops in black dress were approaching through the main gate in speed. Both the jeeps stoped in front of the office of the Chief. From one jeep disembarked Maj. Dalim and with out looking to any one was going towards the Chief’s office. On his way, Col. Momen then CO of Bengal Lancers who was standing with me steped down from the varanda and went up to Maj. Dalim, I also followed him. Getting closer he tried to say some thing but Maj. Dalim just told him to remain quite and get away and straight walked into Chief’s office. Judging his temper I some how managed to hide myself behind a pillar. The emrarassed Colonel returned to me.

The moment the assembled senior officers in the office of Nuruddin and listning to the Radio broad cast came to know that Maj. Dalim has arrived got shit scared apprehending great danger and ran out of the room to save their life. In a heist some trampeled on others, the chairs fell on the ground and the table got over turned on which the transistor was kept. In moments the room was empty. Saving one’s life is the utmost priority so, like others I also ran for life. At that time in Chief’s room present were Gen. Shafiullah, Gen. Zia, Brig. Khaled and Col. Nasim.

The soldiers on the jeeps were all armed and ready to open up on order at any time! After a while, I looked around from a safe distance and found nothing is happening so returned back behind that pilar again.

Within a few minuites flung opened the door of Chief’s room and Chief Gen. Shafiullah came out followed by Maj. Dalim. Shafiullah’s face was black and somber. It was clear that helpless Shafiullah had no choice but to accompany Dalim. Just behind Dalim Deputy Chief Gen. Zia and Brig. Khaled. Gen. Shafiullah along with Brig. Khaled got into Chief’s car. I was hiding behind the pilar watching and listning. Zia with a smile invited, ‘Dalim comealong in my car’.

‘No Sir, why should I be in a General’s car! Giving a curt reply Dalim embarked on his Jeep. His Jeep was leading followed by Shafiullah’s car after his was Zia’s car at the back was the 2nd Jeep with armed troops. In speed the four vehicles rushed out of the Army HQ.

After announcing in the Radio about the success of the revolutionary uprising and fall of dictatorial government and sad demise of Sheikh Mujib I had called first to Gen. Osmani from the Radio Station

Sir, we have been successful to end the fascist BAKSHAL regime of Sheikh Mujib through a revolutionary uprising due to immense Mercy of Allah and blessing of the people Alhamdulillah! Rashid would be arriving shortly along with Kandakar Mushtaq Ahmed. On arrival he will assume the responsibility as the President and address the nation. There will be an oath taking ceremony at the Bana Bhaban this evening. After talking with Gen. Zia and Brig. Khaled I shall be proceeding to the cantonment to bring all the three Chiefs to the Radio Station. The Chief of Rakkhi Bahini and IG Police would also be brought. Mr. Taher Uddin Thakur and Mahbubul Haq Chashi are also coming. I myself shall come tomorrow to bring you to meet the President. He would request you to join his government as his Defence Advisor.

There after I called Gen. Zia and said

Sir, you must convince Gen. Shafiullah that under the prevailing situation there is no scope to take any military move to counter a popular uprising would only prove to be disastrous. Therefore, necessary effective measures should be taken by all in handling the situation according to the constitution. I have also talked to Khaled Bhai who had assured me that he would be telling the same for Gen.Shafiullah to understand. But we must be careful about one thing after oath taking the Presidential order would be out appointing you as the Army Chief removing Gen. Shafiullah. Even after that your relation with the Sena Parisad should remain a sectre not to be disclosed for tactical reasons. In view of our conversation when after listning my announcement in the Radio Dhaka based 46 Brigade Commander Shafayt Jamil contacted Gen. Zia over phone he replied

If the President is killed then Vice President is there, let the constitution take its course.

In view of the above when Gen. Zia unexpectedly requested me to sit in his car I refused politely. I din’t have to say much entering Chief’s room as Gen. Zia and Brig. Khaled said it all for the Chief to understand the sturk realities of the situation. Brig. Khaled, the CGS had told the Chief

“Bangabandhu is dead. The army has revolted and whole army has celebrated. So, no one can dare to do anything now.”   

Zia said, “ We must uphold the constitution giving allegiance to the new government.”

After the meeting with Gen. Zia and Brig. Khaled, the messege was clear to Gen. Shafiullah that the army was not under his command any longer. So had no other option but to act according to what I said and came out with us.

“ Bangabandhu is dead. The army has revolted and whole army has celebrated. So, no one can dare to do anything now.”   

Within a very short time I returned to Radio Station along with three Chiefs. By then IG Police and the DG Rakkhi Bahini were brought in. The DG BDR was also had arrived. President Khandakar Mushtaq Ahmed addressed the nation broadcasted over Radio and TV. After his speech all the three Chiefs one by one gave their alligence to his government supporting the historic revolutionary uprising in their short statements that were also broadcasted over national Radio and TV.

Same day evening in a modest the ceremony Kandakar Mushtaq Ahmed took the oath of the President as per the constitution at Banga Bhaban. On 25th of August through an Presidential ordinance Mr. Moshiur Rahman and Oli Ahad both political prisoners were realised and all political parties which were banned after introducing BAKSHAL had been urged to submit the list of their political prisoners. On the same day Gen. Osmani was appointed as Defence Advisor, Gen. Khalilur Rahman was appointed as Joint Chief of Defence Staff. Gen. Shafiullah was removed and Gen. Zia was appointed as Army Chief along with AVM. Tawab and Vice Admiral M. A. Khan as Air and Naval Chief respectively.

On 16th August Maolana Vashani sent a congratulatory telegrame to President Mushtaq and his governmet. The two daily newspapers Ittefaq and Shangbad were returned to their owner on the same day.  

On 3ed November President in his address to the nation said, ‘From 15th August 1976 in Bangladesh multy party democratic politics shall commence and on 28th February the national election would be held. An Presidential Ordinace was issued. In view of this fact, how it could be claimed that it was GEN. ZIA who had restored democracy? He merely was compelled to implement the Ordinence promulgated by President Mushtaq to restore multiparty democracy back in Bangladesh polity.

Many, moastly psudo biast intellectual are trying to assert that the exposed leaders of Sena Parisad had flee the country to save their lives! There is a big difference between fleeing away and leaving the country as a tactical move. I have dwelled in leanth about this aspect in my earlier published book ‘Ja Dekhechi Ja Bujhechi Ja Korechi’ in three langueges Bangla, English and Urdu. The book has also has been up loaded in the wave site www.majordalimbubangla.com as well as www.majordalimbu.com. Should the readers ever dread that book then shall be able to accertain what is the real fact. Lets now move forward.

On 4th November at around 8:45 PM the exposed top leaders of the Sena Parisad arrived at the Airport as per prior decision and arrangement to leave for Bangkok along with Rubi Bhabi and Nilu Bhabi wives of Khaled Bhai and Gudu Bhai who would accompany us up to Bangkok. Why should wives of Brig. Khaled and Col. Huda should accompany the fleeing leaders? Is it a rational phenomenon? The whole Airport was thronged with officers and soldiers, they came from Dhaka and other Cantonments to bid fare well to their beloved leaders. Why should so many members of the armed forces should gather at the Airport to see off the coward fleeing officers? Is it justifyied logically? Most of these officers and soldiers were the members of Sena Paeisad who knew very well the reason as to why we were leaving the country. They were aware that departure was a tactical move. In time, the special Fokkar friendship took off. On the way it landed at Chittagong for refueling. Some important Leaders of Sena Parisod informed earlier had been waiting at the tarkmack. I disembarked and after a short but important chat returned to the Aircraft. All of them remained on the tarmac till our Aircraft took off waving their hands. From Chittagong via Rangoon we reached Bangkok. At the Rengoon Airport Ambassador Khaja Kaiser received us.