Play store
Staff Correspondent: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday said Major (retd) Mozaffar Hossain, one of the principal accused in the assassination of former President Ziaur Rahman, will be tried under the existing Military Act following his recent arrest after decades on the run.
Speaking to reporters after a views-exchange meeting and Darbar with senior Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) officials at the force’s headquarters in Pilkhana, the minister said the original trial into Zia’s assassination had been conducted by a military court, which had reached definitive findings.
He said Mozaffar, who had allegedly remained in hiding in a neighbouring country under a false identity for many years, was arrested in Dhaka on July 15 based on specific intelligence information.
“The accused has been handed over to the Bangladesh Army, and legal proceedings will be conducted under the existing Military Act through the formation of a General Court Martial,” Salahuddin said.
He explained that Bangladesh’s legal framework does not permit a person to be tried separately under both civil and military laws for the same offence.
“There is no provision for dual trials. Therefore, proceedings in this case will continue under the Military Act,” he added.
The Home Minister also outlined the government’s plans to strengthen border security, particularly along the volatile frontier with Myanmar, where continuing armed conflict has heightened security concerns.
He said the government is considering a proposal by BGB to install barbed-wire fencing along 108 kilometres of the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, although the plan has yet to receive final approval.
Salahuddin said advanced mine detection equipment has already been supplied to BGB personnel to reduce the risk of casualties from landmines planted near the border.
He noted that fierce fighting continues in Myanmar between government forces and various armed groups, including the Arakan Army (AA), Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (RSO) and Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA).
“Given Bangladesh’s geographical location, the ongoing conflict across the border presents significant security challenges. We are maintaining round-the-clock surveillance to prevent stray bullets, illegal crossings and drug smuggling,” he said.
He added that managing the Myanmar border requires a different strategy from border management with India because of the distinct security environment.
Rejecting allegations of illegal push-ins from India, the minister said Bangladesh has effectively prevented any such attempts through coordinated efforts by BGB and local communities.
“There is no scope for any illegal push-in into Bangladesh. Every such attempt has been resisted,” he said.
Salahuddin alleged that claims of push-ins were being used by political actors in India’s West Bengal for domestic political purposes and had no bearing on Bangladesh’s internal affairs.
He reiterated that Bangladesh would only accept the return of verified Bangladeshi nationals through formal diplomatic channels.
“If India sends a verified list through official channels, we will examine each case in accordance with the law. Those confirmed as Bangladeshi citizens will be accepted through the proper legal process. No illegal infiltration outside that framework will be tolerated,” he said.
The minister said the government would take steps to address several long-standing demands of the border force, including increasing manpower, procuring modern equipment and vehicles, constructing new administrative facilities, and improving healthcare services at BGB Hospital through the recruitment of additional doctors and nurses.
Earlier, while addressing BGB officers and personnel, Salahuddin directed the force to remain on maximum alert to prevent illegal infiltration, cross-border crimes, drug and arms smuggling, human trafficking and other security threats.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining discipline, professionalism, the chain of command and neutrality while carrying out duties.
Calling on BGB personnel to remain vigilant against rumours and misinformation, the minister urged them to rely on verified intelligence, make greater use of modern technology, strengthen engagement with border communities and continue playing a humanitarian role during natural disasters and national emergencies.
Expressing confidence in the force, he said BGB would continue to play a vital role in safeguarding Bangladesh’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests under its motto, “Bangladesh First.”
Earlier in the day, the minister was accorded a guard of honour upon his arrival at the BGB headquarters.
The meeting, held at Shaheed Shakil Ahmed Hall, was attended by BGB Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, senior headquarters officials, junior commissioned officers, other ranks and civilian employees. Personnel serving at regional headquarters, sectors, battalions and border outposts across the country joined the programme via videoconference.