Mozaffar to be tried under military law for Zia assassination: Salahuddin

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed talking to reporters after a view exchange meeting with senior officers of BGB at the Darban Hall of the force on Monday.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday said Major (retd) Mozaffar Hossain, one of the prime accused in the former President Ziaur Rahman assassination case who was arrested in Dhaka recently after over 4 years on the run, will be tried under the existing military law. 

He made the remarks while speaking to reporters after a view-exchange meeting and Darbar with senior officials of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) at the force’s Pilkhana headquarters.

The minister said the main trial over the assassination of the former President had been conducted by a military court at that time, which had reached specific findings.

He said accused Mozaffar, who had remained in hiding in a neighbouring country for many years in disguise, was arrested on July 15 based on specific intelligence information and has been handed over to the Bangladesh Army for trial under the existing Military Act.

Salahuddin said the judicial process will be carried out in accordance with the law by establishing a General Court Martial.

He added that there is no legal provision to try a person separately under both civil law and military law for the same offence. “Therefore, the trial in this case will proceed under the Military Act.”

Turning to border issues, the minister said the government is giving the highest priority to strengthening national security and protecting the country's borders.

In view of the unstable situation along the Myanmar border, he said a preliminary plan has been taken to construct barbed-wire fencing along 108 kms of the frontier as proposed by BGB, though the proposal has not yet been finalised.

Salahuddin said advanced detection equipment has already been supplied to the BGB to prevent casualties from mines or landmines.

Referring to the situation in Myanmar, he said intense armed clashes are continuing there between government forces and various insurgent groups, including the Arakan Army, Rohingya Solidarity Organisation and Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army.

Due to Bangladesh's geographical position, the border is facing challenges arising from the ongoing conflict, the minister said, adding that the government is maintaining round-the-clock monitoring to prevent stray gunfire and drug smuggling from across the border.

He noted that the nature of border management with India is completely different from the strategic challenges along the Myanmar frontier and stressed that securing the Myanmar border remains an urgent priority.

Rejecting allegations of push-ins into Bangladesh, Salahuddin said there is no scope for any illegal push-ins and that every such attempt has been successfully resisted through the joint vigilance of BGB and local residents. 

He said India’s West Bengal government may pursue such narratives for its own political agenda, which are unrelated to Bangladesh’s internal affairs.

Bangladesh always engages in official discussions with the government of India, the minister said, adding that if a specific list of verified Bangladeshi nationals is formally sent through diplomatic channels, the government will examine their nationality through due legal procedures and arrange their return if confirmed. “No illegal infiltration will be tolerated outside that process.”

He also said the Ministry of Home Affairs will take effective measures to resolve various pending issues of BGB, including increasing manpower, procuring modern equipment and vehicles, constructing new administrative buildings and improving healthcare services at BGB Hospital through the recruitment of doctors and nurses.

Earlier, at the event with the BGB officials, the minister directed force personnel to maintain maximum vigilance along the country's borders and strengthen efforts to prevent illegal infiltration, push-ins, drug and arms smuggling, human trafficking and other cross-border crimes.

He also stressed the importance of maintaining discipline, chain of command, mutual respect and professional conduct within the force.

Salahuddin called on members to remain alert to rumours and misinformation and to perform their duties based on verified information.

He underscored the need for the effective use of modern technology and intelligence information, winning the confidence of border communities, playing a humanitarian role during disasters and national emergencies, and ensuring neutrality, accountability and adherence to the rule of law.

Expressing optimism about the force's future role, the minister said BGB members will continue to make significant contributions to safeguarding the country's border security, sovereignty and national interests under the motto – “Bangladesh First.”

Earlier, he visited the BGB headquarters, where he was accorded a guard of honour by a smartly turned-out contingent.

The meeting, held at the 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.

BGB personnel serving at various regions, sectors, battalions and border outposts (BOPs) across the country joined the programme through videoconferencing. - UNB