Zia assassination convict Mozzafar to be tried under military law: Salahuddin
Home minister directs BGB to intensify anti-smuggling, push-in efforts.
Highlights
- Mozzafar to face court martial under Army Act
- No dual trials allowed under civil and military laws
- Government prioritises national and border security
- 108km Myanmar border fencing plan under consideration
- Bangladesh claims all illegal push-in attempts were thwarted
- Home ministry plans to strengthen BGB's manpower and facilities
Major (retd) Mozzafar Hossain, a convict in the assassination case of former President Ziaur Rahman who was arrested after spending 45 years on the run, will be tried under the Army Act through a general court martial, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said today (20 July).
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Speaking to reporters after the first exchange meeting with senior Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) officials since taking office at the force's headquarters in Pilkhana, the minister said Mozzafar had already been handed over to the Bangladesh Army to complete the legal process.
He said the original trial into Zia's assassination was conducted by a military court, which delivered its verdict, and that Mozzafar was recently arrested based on intelligence after allegedly living under a false identity in a neighbouring country.
"The trial will be conducted lawfully through a general court-martial," Salahuddin said, adding that there is no legal provision to try the same individual separately under both civil and military laws for the same offence.
Myanmar border security
The home minister said the government was considering a BGB proposal to install barbed-wire fencing along a 108-kilometre stretch of the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, although no final decision had been taken.
He said BGB has already received modern landmine detection equipment, while its dog squad will support enforcement of the Narcotics Control Act until a dedicated unit is fully staffed and trained.
The government is maintaining round-the-clock vigilance to prevent stray bullets, narcotics smuggling and other cross-border threats, he added.
Salahuddin also praised the BGB's rescue and relief operations during the recent floods, saying the force's humanitarian role would be expanded further.
Govt rejects push-in allegations
Rejecting recent allegations of push-ins into Bangladesh, the minister said the government would verify the nationality of any individual formally identified by India through diplomatic channels before arranging repatriation in accordance with legal procedures, but would not allow any illegal entry.
He also said the government would strengthen the BGB by increasing manpower, procuring modern equipment and vehicles, constructing administrative infrastructure and improving healthcare services through the recruitment of doctors and nurses.
Responding to a question, Salahuddin said additional honours or incentives for BGB personnel who had played an exceptional role in preventing recent push-ins would be considered alongside the force's annual bravery awards.
