Dhaka:An unforgettable event in the history of Bangladesh occurred on 7 November 1975, marked by the Sepoy-People's Revolution. This revolution unfolded amidst a backdrop of political and military turmoil in the country, which had been escalating since the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on 15 August 1975. His death, orchestrated by mid-level officers of the Bangladesh Army and some senior political associates, led to a series of power struggles and coups.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Brigadier Khaled Mosharraf staged a counter-coup on 2 November 1975, declaring himself Chief of Army Staff and placing Major General Ziaur Rahman under house arrest. Mosharraf also facilitated the safe exit of the officers involved in the August coup and replaced Khandaker Mostaq Ahmad as President with Chief Justice Abu Sadat Mohammad Sayem.
In response to Ziaur Rahman's removal and house arrest, Lieutenant Colonel (retd) Taher planned another military counter-coup, capitalizing on the soldiers' resentment and General Zia's popularity. The Revolutionary Soldiers' Organisation of the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) circulated propaganda within the armed forces, inciting sepoys against the officers.
The 2nd Field Artillery, loyal to General Zia, anticipated Taher's plan and devised a pre-emptive strategy. On 7 November, they freed Zia and moved him to their headquarters. Despite Taher's attempts to take Zia, the situation shifted with the spontaneous involvement of ordinary sepoys and civilians in a bloodless revolution.
Despite the revolution's success, members of the JSD's Revolutionary Soldiers' Organisation, led by Lieutenant Colonel (retd) Taher, continued to act aggressively, resulting in the brutal killing of several army officers. Meanwhile, General Zia, with the help of Colonel Nawazesh Ahmed, ensured the security of Brigadier Khaled Mosharraf and his companions, although they were ultimately killed by members of the Revolutionary Soldiers' Organisation.
The events of 7 November 1975, characterized by a bloody but unsuccessful coup attempt by JSD and a successful, bloodless revolution led by the 2nd Field Artillery, significantly altered Bangladesh's political landscape. Amid the coups and counter-coups, an extraordinary revolution emerged, changing the course of the nation's history.