Bangladesh arrests ex-army major accused in 1981 president's assassination

A 45-year fugitive, former Bangladesh army Major Muzaffar Hossain, has been apprehended by detectives in Dhaka, marking a significant breakthrough in the pursuit of those responsible for the 1981 assassination of former President Ziaur Rahman.

Hossain is identified in historical records and case documents as the individual who allegedly fired the fatal shots at President Rahman at the Chittagong Circuit House on May 30, 1981. His arrest is the first major success for the Tarique Rahman-led BNP government, which pledged to bring Ziaur Rahman's assassins to justice.

Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police reported Hossain's arrest late Wednesday in the Banani DOHS area. Government sources indicated that after completing legal procedures, Hossain was handed over to the Bangladesh army to face pending court-martial proceedings. Officials claim Hossain and Captain Mosleh Uddin were among the mid-ranking army officers directly involved in the attack that killed Ziaur Rahman, the founder of the ruling BNP.