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Dhaka, July 16: The Dhaka Metropolitan Police's Detective Branch (DB) has detained retired Major Md Mozzaffar Hossain, a convicted fugitive in the assassination case of former President Ziaur Rahman, after he allegedly remained on the run for 45 years.

 

Mozzaffar was detained late Tuesday night from the Banani DOHS area in the capital. The development was disclosed on Wednesday (16 July).

 

According to DB officials, Mozzaffar Hossain had been absconding since being convicted in connection with the 1981 assassination of President Ziaur Rahman. After completing legal formalities, police handed him over to the Bangladesh Army for further proceedings under the military justice system.

 

DB Chief and Additional Commissioner Mohammad Shafiqul Islam confirmed the arrest.

 

Investigators describe Mozzaffar as one of the principal planners of the assassination of President Ziaur Rahman, who was killed during a failed military coup attempt at the Chattogram Circuit House on 30 May 1981.

 

According to investigators and case records, Mozzaffar Hossain and Captain Mosleh Uddin were among the army officers who directly participated in the operation. Investigators allege that Mozzaffar was the first to identify President Ziaur Rahman and open fire on him.

 

Authorities also allege that after the assassination, Mozzaffar telephoned the then General Officer Commanding of the 24th Infantry Division, Major General Abul Manzoor, informing him that the president had been killed.

 

Following the military crackdown that restored control, several officers were arrested, including Major General Manzoor, who was later killed. Captain Mosleh Uddin was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment, while Mozzaffar Hossain and Major SM Khaled evaded arrest for decades.

 

Investigators said Mozzaffar spent years in hiding, including a period in India during the late 1990s, before allegedly living under assumed identities after crossing the border.

 

His detention after more than four decades marks a significant development in one of Bangladesh's most high-profile political assassination cases. Authorities said further legal proceedings against him will be conducted through the Bangladesh Army's judicial process.