Political Landscape Leading to the Coup
In the tumultuous history of Bangladesh, the events leading up to the coup d’état on August 15, 1975, were rooted in a long struggle for political autonomy and reform. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the leader of the Awami League and the recognized figure in the Bangladesh Liberation Movement, won a historic victory in the 1970 Pakistani general election. However, the Pakistani military regime, which was predominantly dominated by West Pakistan, denied him the prime ministerial position. This denial was emblematic of the systemic political oppression faced by Bengali citizens, who had long endured the tyrannical rule of a military establishment that disregarded their democratic rights.
Amid escalating tensions and civil unrest, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's speech on March 7, 1971, became a turning point for the Bengali populace, galvanizing them towards the struggle for independence. Shortly thereafter, the brutal Operation Searchlight was initiated by the Pakistani military on March 25, 1971, which included targeted killings, mass arrests, and widespread terror aimed at suppressing the liberation movement. This sparked the nine-month-long Bangladesh Liberation War, culminating in the surrender of Pakistani forces in December 1971 and the establishment of Bangladesh as an independent nation. Following the war, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman emerged as the country’s first leader, and in the successful 1973 parliamentary elections, his party secured a decisive victory, establishing an initial democratic framework.
Dissatisfaction within Military Ranks
However, the post-independence euphoria was short-lived, as a faction within the military began to harbor discontent towards Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s administration. Several army officers, upset with the loss of the privileges they enjoyed during the unified Pakistan era, feared that a democratic government would undermine their status. These dissatisfaction-fueled sentiments led to the emergence of a conspiracy among military personnel, bureaucrats, and political figures who either resented Sheikh Mujib's leadership or wished to restore Pakistan's unity.
Among the key figures involved in this conspiracy were officers Majors Faruque Rahman and Khandaker Rashid, alongside seasoned politicians such as Khondoker Mostaq Ahmed, who had served in prior administrations. Their shared interest was the dissolution of the one-party system established under Sheikh Mujib’s rule, known as BaKSAL. Efforts to maintain the status quo and protect their interests led them to orchestrate unrest by creating political distractions, ultimately setting the stage for a coordinated coup.
Inciting Incident and the Path to the Coup
Strains within the military were further exacerbated by incidents of indiscipline that highlighted the fracture in the army's chain of command. A prominent incident in 1973 showcased the rising tensions when Major Shariful Haque Dalim and his wife engaged in a confrontation at a social function that drew the ire of Awami League supporters. The fallout from this incident intensified the already simmering dissatisfaction among military ranks and served as a catalyst for the coup conspirators.
Meanwhile, discussions among military leaders intensified, focusing on the future of the Awami League government. Major Faruque Rahman’s meetings with Deputy Chief of Army Staff Major General Ziaur Rahman proved particularly consequential, as Zia's tacit endorsement of action created the moral underpinning for coup plotting. As communications were crafted between conspirators on both the military and political fronts, it became evident that a calculated effort was underway to orchestrate a coup, leading to the eventual assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Through this intricate web of political discontent, personal ambition, and military disorganization, the foundations for one of Bangladesh’s most tragic episodes were laid. On August 15, 1975, the ambitions of the conspirators were realized as they executed their plans, leading to the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family, altering the course of Bangladesh’s nascent history and ushering in an era marked by instability and trauma.
Execution of the Coup
On the fateful day of 15 August 1975, a group of mutineers in Bangladesh orchestrated a meticulously planned coup d'état. To ensure the success of their operation, the conspirators divided themselves into specialized teams, each assigned unique targets and instructions tailored to achieve their objectives. This division of labor was crucial, as it allowed them to coordinate their actions while creating an atmosphere of chaos that would hinder any potential resistance from loyalist forces.
As the early hours of the morning unfolded, these teams moved through various strategic locations, essential for the coup's success. Their primary target was the residence of the then-President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who was seen as the principal obstacle to their goals. The teams moved swiftly, executing their plans with precision, driven by a collective desire to overthrow the existing leadership and reshape the political landscape of Bangladesh.
The motives behind this drastic move stemmed from widespread dissatisfaction with Sheikh Mujib's administration. Many military officers and political factions believed that his rule, characterized by authoritarian tendencies and economic struggles, was leading the nation towards instability. As tensions rose, the coup plotters saw an opportunity to assert their influence and enact changes they perceived as necessary for the future of Bangladesh.
Amidst the upheaval, the country reeled as news of the coup spread. Citizens reacted with shock and confusion, uncertain of what the coup would mean for their nation. The atmosphere was charged with a mix of fear and anticipation, as the fate of their president and the direction of Bangladesh hung in the balance. The execution of the coup was just the beginning of a turbulent chapter in the country's history, one that would see profound changes in governance and policy, as well as violent repercussions for those who opposed the new regime.
The Coup at Bangabandhu Bhaban
On the tumultuous day of 15 August 1975, Bangladesh's political landscape was forever altered during a coup d'état that targeted the personal residence of President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, an important figure in the nation's struggle for independence. The operation was masterminded by Major A.K.M. Mohiuddin Ahmed, who led a team comprising Major Bazlul Huda, noted for his role as adjutant to the 2nd Field Regiment of Artillery, and Major S.H.M.B Noor Chowdhury. Their actions were aligned with a faction within the military that sought to usurp the government. Captain Abul Bashar, also part of the group, had a history of loyalty to Major Dalim, further complicating the internal dynamics of the military during the coup.
As the mutineers attempted to breach the fortified residence, the guards valiantly put up a defense, resulting in a brief but intense firefight. Among the defenders, Sheikh Kamal, the eldest son of Sheikh Mujib, sustained injuries while trying to protect the family. Tragically, he was executed by Captain Huda after the attackers had infiltrated the compound. In an unfoldment of chaos, Sheikh Mujib confronted the intruders, questioning their intentions. However, his inquiry was cut short as Major Noor and Captain Huda opened fire on him from the stairs, marking a grim departure from the democratic ideals the country had fought for.
The fate of Sheikh Mujib's family was equally dire. His son, Lieutenant Sheikh Jamal, and his wife, Rosy, along with Sheikh Kamal's wife, Sultana Kamal, and the President's own wife, Sheikh Fazilatunnesa, were forcibly taken to a small bathroom on the first floor. Their lives were extinguished by the gunfire of Major Abdul Aziz Pasha and Risaldar Moslemuddin, plunging the nation into mourning. In a chilling display of military power, Major Faruque swiftly promoted Captain Huda to the rank of major and Subedar Major Abdul Wahab Joardar to lieutenant, indicating a disturbing normalization of violence and betrayal within the military hierarchy. He arrived at the scene in a tank, embodying the aggression of the coup.
In the ensuing chaos, Colonel Jamil Uddin Ahmad, who held the position of military secretary to the President, was tragically struck down as he rushed to the Bangabandhu Residence in response to Sheikh Mujib’s call for help. With the defenders overwhelmed, the guards were forced to surrender and were subsequently lined up outside the residence in a degrading display of their defeat. As the lawlessness escalated, Major Noor took the life of Sheikh Nasser, Sheikh Mujib’s brother, in the reception area bathroom, and in a heartbreaking moment, Major Pasha ordered the execution of Sheikh Russel, the youngest son, who was heard crying for his mother. Witnesses described scenes of pillaging as soldiers looted the residence with impunity while a dead policeman lay outside, illustrating a complete breakdown of order.
In a grotesque twist, Major Huda was reported to have traveled to Sher Shah Road in Mohammadpur, where he ordered ten coffins from local carpenters. The following day, he facilitated the removal of the bodies, assisted by an army escort, solidifying the grim legacy of this brutal chapter in Bangladesh's history. The coup d'état not only resulted in the loss of one of the country's founding figures but also marked the beginning of a tumultuous era characterized by military rule and ongoing political instability.
Sheikh Fazlul Haque Mani was a significant political figure in Bangladesh, known primarily for being the nephew of the country's founding leader, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. On the fateful day of August 15, 1975, amidst a backdrop of political unrest and instability, Sheikh Mani became a target during a coup d'état that aimed to eliminate key leaders of the Awami League party. His residence, located on Road 13/1 in the Dhanmondi area of Dhaka, became the site of a tragic event as he and his wife, Begum Arzu Moni, were brutally murdered. Reports suggest that Begum Arzu was pregnant at the time, adding to the heartbreak of this violent episode.
The build-up to this tragic incident was characterized by discontent within the military ranks and dissent against Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's leadership, which many perceived as authoritarian. On that morning, an estimated 20 to 25 army personnel encircled Sheikh Mani's home, executing what was part of a larger operation to assassinate prominent political figures. While Sheikh Fazlul Haque Mani and his wife perished in the attack, their children—Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh and Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash—miraculously survived, highlighting the chaotic nature of that day.
The coup ultimately resulted in a significant shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape, leading to the eventual overthrow of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the culmination of a series of power struggles that would ensue for years. The assassination of Sheikh Mani and the attacks on other leaders not only marked a dark chapter in the history of Bangladesh but also ignited fears of political violence that resonated throughout the nation. The legacy of Sheikh Fazlul Haque Mani is often remembered alongside other key figures who suffered during this upheaval, as the country grappled with the consequences of its political turmoil in the subsequent decades.
The Attack on Abdur Rab Serniabat's Residence
On the fateful morning of August 15, 1975, Abdur Rab Serniabat, a prominent political figure and former minister of water resources, became a tragic victim of a violent coup d'état. Renowned as the brother-in-law of founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Serniabat's residence on Mintoo Road in Dhaka was besieged by a military team at the early hour of 5:00 AM. The operation was led by officers Major Aziz Pasha, Captain Majed, Major Shahriar Rashid, and Captain Nurul Huda, who had orchestrated the assault as part of a larger effort to remove the existing government.
The massacre at Serniabat's home was indiscriminate and brutal. Alongside Serniabat, notable casualties included his nephew Shahid Serniabat, his daughter Baby Serniabat, his grandson Sukanto Abdullah Babu, and his son Arif Serniabat, all of whom lost their lives in the invasion. The brutal onslaught did not spare domestic servants, as three individuals working within the household also perished. The violence permeated the home, leaving an indelible scar on the family.
Amidst the chaos, one member of the Serniabat family managed to escape with his life; Abul Hasnat Abdullah, Serniabat's surviving son, was spared but left to grapple with the horrifying aftermath of the attack. In addition to the fatalities, the assault left nine other individuals injured, marking a grim start to a day that would forever change the political landscape of Bangladesh. This incident was not an isolated event but part of a wider conspiracy that culminated in the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and several of his close associates, thrusting the nation into a period of turmoil and uncertainty. The political ramifications of that day continue to resonate in Bangladesh's history, reflecting the deep scars of division and conflict that emerged in its wake.
Artillery Support during the Coup
On 15 August 1975, during the tumultuous period of the Bangladesh coup d'état, artillery units under the command of Colonel Abdul Jamil Fauque played a critical role in the military operations that unfolded throughout Dhaka. The decision to deploy artillery fire significantly escalated the violence of the coup, endangering not only military targets but also innocent civilians living in the surrounding residential areas.
The artillery began firing mortar shells towards areas such as Dhanmondi and Mohammadpur, which were densely populated neighborhoods. The indiscriminate nature of this fire resulted in catastrophic consequences for the civilian population. In Mohammadpur alone, mortar shells struck near Sher Shah Suri Road, leading to the tragic loss of 14 lives. This incident underscored the chaotic and brutal nature of the coup and highlighted the severe risks to civilians inherent in military conflicts, particularly in urban settings where civilian and military lines often blur.
As the coup progressed, it became evident that the military's use of heavy artillery was a calculated move to assert control and intimidate any potential resistance. This tactic not only instilled widespread fear among the populace but also demonstrated the lengths to which the coup leaders would go to secure their hold on power. The impact of such actions reverberated throughout the city, contributing to an atmosphere of panic and despair that would linger long after the coup was complete.
Attack on Rakhi Bahini Camp
On 15 August 1975, Major Faruque, a key figure in the coup d'état in Bangladesh, orchestrated a coordinated assault on the Jatiya Rakkhi Bahini camp. Commanding a formidable force of 26 tanks, his military strategy was both decisive and effective. The Rakkhi Bahini, a paramilitary force originally established to maintain law and order following the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971, found themselves unable to mount any significant resistance against Faruque's armored units. The swift and overwhelming attack culminated in the immediate surrender of the Rakhi Bahini, illustrating the vulnerability of the state’s internal security apparatus in the face of a well-planned military offensive.
Movement Towards Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Residence
Following the successful neutralization of the Rakkhi Bahini, Major Faruque shifted his focus toward the residential compound of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the then-Prime Minister of Bangladesh and a leading figure in the country's independence movement. Known as 'Bangabandhu' or 'Friend of Bengal', Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had been instrumental in the political landscape of Bangladesh post-independence in 1971. However, his administration faced significant challenges, including political instability, economic struggles, and widespread dissatisfaction among various sectors of society.
Faruque's advance toward Sheikh Mujib's residence marked a pivotal moment in the coup, as tensions escalated and the political future of Bangladesh hung in the balance. The coup was indicative of broader military dissatisfaction with Mujib’s governance and an intention to reclaim control over the political narrative. Within hours, the scenario would evolve dramatically, cementing a shift in power dynamics that would have lasting repercussions for Bangladesh's political landscape. This coup not only eliminated Sheikh Mujib but also set the stage for military influence over the government in the years to follow.
Attack on Bangladesh Betar
In the early hours of 15 August 1975, the main office of Bangladesh Betar, the national radio station located in Dhaka, became a focal point of the chaos that was unfolding across the country. The mutineers, acting with precision and determination, launched an aggressive assault on the facility. Their first move was to swiftly disarm the police officers stationed at the radio station, significantly weakening any resistance and allowing them to seize control with minimal effort.
Having taken charge, Major Dalim and Major Shahriar emerged as the central figures in this brazen takeover. Their leadership enabled the mutineers to effectively monopolize the dissemination of information. Utilizing the radio station's platforms, they manipulated broadcasts to align with their political agenda, curating a narrative that suited their coup efforts and suppressing any dissenting voices.
This strategic takeover of Bangladesh Betar was not merely an act of aggression but a calculated maneuver to control public perception during a tumultuous time in the nation’s history. By controlling the airwaves, the mutineers aimed to establish legitimacy for their actions and rally support from various military factions, while simultaneously disorienting the citizenry. The events of this day would mark a significant turning point in Bangladesh's political landscape, setting in motion a series of events that would lead to widespread political unrest and instability for years to come.
Aftermath of the 1975 Coup in Bangladesh
On 15 August 1975, Bangladesh underwent a significant upheaval when Khandaker Mostaq Ahmad addressed the nation from a radio station, marking the beginning of a new political order. His speech, crafted by writer Taheruddin Thakur, proclaimed the establishment of a government under his leadership. This new administration quickly gained legitimacy as key figures from the military hierarchy, including the Chief of Army, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Chief of Air Force, and other security officials expressed their loyalty to Mostaq's regime. In a strategic move, Khandaker Mostaq appointed General M. A. G. Osmani as his defense adviser while General Ziaur Rahman was designated as the Chief of Army Staff on 24 August 1975. Khalilur Rahman took on the position of the first Chief of Defence Staff, laying the groundwork for military leadership that would characterize the governance in subsequent years.
Not long after the coup, on 26 September 1975, Khandaker Mostaq enacted the Indemnity Ordinance, which was crucial in providing legal immunity to all those involved in the coup. This law served as a protective measure for many individuals whose actions contributed to the overthrow of the previous government. A month later, on 5 October, a significant legislative move occurred with the passage of the Jatiya Rakkhi Bahini (Absorption in the Army) Ordinance. This ordinance, strongly supported by Ziaur Rahman, effectively absorbed the paramilitary forces of the Rakkhi Bahini into the Bangladesh Army, consolidating military power and resources under the new government.
However, the political landscape in Bangladesh remained volatile. On 3 November 1975, tensions escalated as a faction within the army, led by Brigadier General Khaled Mosharraf and Colonel Shafaat Jamil, staged a coup intending to oust the mutineers and restore order within the ranks. Tragically, in the chaos, several prominent leaders such as former President Syed Nazrul Islam and former Prime Minister Tajuddin Ahmed were executed by the mutineers at Dhaka Central Jail. Following this bloody episode, Justice Abu Sadat Mohammad Sayem was appointed as the new president, and Khaled Mosharraf assumed the role of Chief of Army Staff, highlighting the continuing volatility of military politics in Bangladesh.
The cycle of violence and coups continued, leading to another coup on 7 November 1975, which resulted in the assassination of Khaled Mosharraf. This coup was orchestrated by an organization of revolutionary soldiers and Colonel Abu Taher. Amidst the turmoil, Ziaur Rahman was reinstated as Chief of Army Staff. Consequently, the new regime under Major General Zia sought to instill discipline within the military, culminating in the execution of Colonel Abu Taher in 1976 for his role in Mosharraf's death.
Under the military regime, many of the coup plotters found themselves in favorable positions within the diplomatic framework. They were granted diplomatic posts in various countries, such as Algeria, Jeddah, Tehran, Beijing, and Buenos Aires. This arrangement allowed them to maintain a semblance of influence and power until 1996, when the political landscape shifted again with the return of the Bangladesh Awami League to power. In what could be seen as a final act of defiance, these officers resisted calls to return to Bangladesh, ultimately resulting in their termination from diplomatic positions. This series of events underscores the tumultuous nature of Bangladesh's political history in the aftermath of the 1975 coup, characterized by cycles of violence, military rule, and shifting allegiances.
Background of the Trials
The political landscape of Bangladesh was significantly affected by the events of 15 August 1975, which marked a coup d'état that led to the assassination of the country's founding leader, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Following a period of instability and changing governments, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) returned to power in 2001, reinstating several officers who had been dismissed previously in 1996. The complex intertwining of political loyalties and military actions remained a defining feature of Bangladesh's post-independence history.
In the wake of the Awami League regaining control in 1996, several military officers, including Major Faruque and Major Sultan Shahriar Rashid Khan, were arrested on 14 August of that year. This arrest followed the repeal of the indemnity act by a parliamentary majority under the Awami League, paving the way for legal proceedings against those involved in the 1975 coup. The move to remove the indemnity Act was a crucial step, as it allowed for the prosecution of individuals implicated in the prior military coup and subsequent political violence.
Investigative Process and Trial Developments
The timeline of the trials began in earnest when AFM Mohitul Islam, the personal assistant to President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, lodged a formal complaint against the mutineers at the Dhanmondi Police Station on 2 October 1996. The subsequent investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) led to the indictment of 20 individuals by mid-January 1997. Initial trials commenced in March of that year, although the legal process faced numerous challenges, including appeals questioning the trial court's jurisdiction and procedural legitimacy.
Significantly, there was international involvement in capturing key defendants. For instance, Major Huda was extradited from Thailand in 1998, highlighting the complex interplay between domestic legal efforts and international diplomacy. Eventually, on 8 November 1998, Dhaka district Justice Kazi Golam Rasul sentenced 15 individuals to death, a decision that would undergo extensive scrutiny through appeals presented to the Bangladesh High Court.
Final Outcomes and Execution
The High Court’s split verdict on 14 November 1998 underscored the contentious nature of the trial, with differing opinions on the validity of the sentences handed down to the accused. This division necessitated a third justice to resolve the impasse, ultimately leading to 12 death sentences being confirmed. The case progressed further up the judicial ladder, culminating in a final verdict from the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court on 19 November 2009, which upheld the previous death sentences.
Despite several prisoners seeking clemency from the president, their appeals were denied. The culmination of the 1975 coup trials came to a somber conclusion on 28 January 2010, when five of the convicts were executed. The execution of key figures such as Sultan Shahriar Rashid Khan and Syed Faruque Rahman marked a significant chapter in Bangladesh’s tumultuous struggle for justice and accountability.
Years later, the pursuit of justice continued. On 7 April 2020, authorities arrested Captain Abdul Majed, one of the last fugitives linked to the coup, in Kolkata, India. His swift extradition and subsequent execution on 12 April 2020 further illustrated the determined efforts of the Bangladeshi state to resolve historical grievances from a pivotal moment in its nationhood and governance.
Legacy of the 1975 Coup in Bangladesh
Since the coup d'état on 15 August 1975, Bangladesh has experienced a tumultuous political landscape, dominated largely by military rule. Following the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country's founding leader and the prominent figure in its fight for independence, a series of military governments took control. Though there were brief instances of democratic governance, with the restoration of democracy occurring in 1990, the nation witnessed ongoing political instability and military influence on governance for decades.
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's daughters, Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana, narrowly escaped the violent coup that claimed the lives of their family members. They were in West Germany at the time of the assassination, which ultimately became a pivotal moment in their lives and in the history of Bangladesh. Sheikh Hasina returned to Bangladesh and became an influential political figure. Elected as Prime Minister in 1996, she has since held the office multiple times, including in 2009, 2014, 2018, and most recently, January 2024. Her leadership has been marked by significant economic growth, infrastructural development, and controversial governance practices, alongside allegations of authoritarianism.
However, the political landscape in Bangladesh remains fraught with challenges. In August 2024, amidst escalating public dissent and widespread protests triggered by allegations of electoral fraud and human rights violations, Sheikh Hasina fled the country by helicopter. This dramatic exit underscored the fragility of the political environment in Bangladesh, which has oscillated between periods of autocratic rule and efforts to establish a stable democratic framework. The ongoing struggle for political legitimacy continues to shape the future of the nation, as the legacy of the 1975 coup looms large over its history and political evolution.