Khaled Mosharraf - Coup of 1975

Coup of 1975

Following the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country's president on 15 August 1975, a new government composing of anti-Mujib political elements was formed under the new president Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad. Mostaq Ahmad issued the Indemnity Ordinance, which gave immunity from prosecution to the killers of Mujib. Outraged at Mujib's killing and the protection of his killers, Mosharraf mobilised pro-Mujib army units with Col. Shafaat Jamil of 46 Brigade to overthrow the regime of Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad on November 3. He would arrest Ziaur Rahman and other members of the government and would become the army chief elevating himself to the rank of Major General. His mother and brother had led a commemorative procession to Mujib's family residence without his knowledge. This gave him the false image of being pro-Indian. However, a mutiny consisting of left-wing non enlisted personnel in the army organised and led by radical left wing JSD leader Abu Taher on November 7, during which Mosharraf was assassinated. On the same day, a group of army personnel from 2nd Artillery in Dhaka cantonment rescued Ziaur Rahman, who reorganised and brought down the mutiny and restored order under the previous Mujib declared State of Emergency. Chief Justice and President Abu Sayem restored Major General Ziaur Rahman restored as Chief of Army Staff and deputy CMLA.