Fugitive Convict in Ziaur Rahman Assassination Case Arrested in Dhaka After 45 Years

Detectives from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DB) have arrested retired Major Mozzafar Hossain, a fugitive accused in the assassination of former President Ziaur Rahman, nearly 45 years after the killing.

Following his arrest, Mozzafar Hossain was handed over to the Bangladesh Army on Thursday after the completion of legal formalities for court-martial proceedings.

According to police, he was arrested around midnight on Wednesday from the Banani DOHS area of the capital.

Former President and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) founder Ziaur Rahman was assassinated on May 30, 1981, at the Chattogram Circuit House. He had arrived in Chattogram a day earlier, on May 29, for a two-day official visit.

According to historical accounts and case-related records, retired Major Mozzafar Hossain and Captain Mosleh Uddin were among the military officers alleged to have directly participated in the assassination. The records state that Mozzafar Hossain identified President Ziaur Rahman and opened fire on him. After confirming the assassination, he allegedly telephoned the then General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 24th Infantry Division, Major General Abul Manzoor, and said, "The President has been killed."