The authorities have widened their investigation into the role of military officials during the 2007 political transition, bringing four more former senior army officers under scrutiny as part of an expanding probe into the events surrounding the 1/11 changeover.
The move follows the arrest of two retired lieutenant generals—Masud Uddin Chowdhury and Sheikh Mamun Khaled—who are currently being interrogated by the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police.
As the investigation progresses, attention has turned to four additional former senior military officials –Lieutenant General (retd) Hasan Mashhud Chowdhury, Major General (retd) Saeed Joarder, Brigadier General (retd) Chowdhury Fazlul Bari and Brigadier General (retd) ATM Amin.
All four were prominent during the 2007–08 period and have been the subject of both controversy and criticism. Investigators say none of them are currently in Bangladesh.
Authorities are now attempting to determine their whereabouts abroad, trace their financial investments, and examine how their connections with senior Awami League leaders were established.
Officials say the two detained generals are being questioned about their relationships with these individuals and their roles during the period.
The investigation, according to them, is part of efforts by the BNP-led government to bring to justice those accused of “excesses” during the military-backed caretaker government that replaced the constitutionally mandated system in January 2007.
Both Masud Uddin Chowdhury and Sheikh Mamun Khaled are being questioned in multiple cases while on remand.
Masud Uddin Chowdhury has been placed on a five-day remand in a human trafficking case, while Sheikh Mamun Khaled is also on a five-day remand in connection with the murder of fruit trader Delwar Hossain in Mirpur during the July uprising.
Police sources say the two men have provided “significant” and, in some cases, “sensational” information during questioning.
Investigators are focusing not only on their alleged roles during the 2007–08 military-backed caretaker government but also on issues such as money laundering and subsequent political developments. They are also being questioned about the eviction of former prime minister Khaleda Zia from her cantonment residence on Moinul Road during the later Awami League government.
When asked about the involvement of key figures from the period—including chiefs of the armed forces and senior officials of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) and National Security Intelligence (NSI)—both men have reportedly attempted to downplay or avoid acknowledging their own roles.
The investigation centres on events of 11 January 2007, when the military intervened amid political turmoil and a new caretaker government was formed after the removal of the administration led by President Iajuddin Ahmed.
Detectives are seeking to establish who was involved in entering Bangabhaban on that day and facilitating the transition to a military-backed government.
Multiple officials involved in the investigation confirmed that information provided by the two former generals is being cross-checked as part of a broader inquiry into all key military figures linked to the period.
Masud Uddin Chowdhury was arrested late Monday night from his residence in Baridhara DOHS in Dhaka. He faces a total of 11 cases, including allegations of murder, money laundering, human trafficking, and fraud.
He is currently being interrogated on remand in connection with a human trafficking case filed with Paltan Police Station. The Anti-Corruption Commission has also launched a separate inquiry into allegations of financial misconduct against him.
Sheikh Mamun Khaled was detained from the Mirpur area of Dhaka on Wednesday night. A court granted a five-day remand in connection with the murder of Delwar Hossain, which occurred during the July uprising. Saturday marked the first day of his remand.
Mamun Khaled served in various roles within the DGFI during the 2007–08 caretaker government period. He later became director of the Counter Intelligence Bureau (CIB) and continued in that position after the Awami League came to power. Between 2011 and 2013, he served as Director General of the DGFI.
DB Joint Commissioner Mohammad Nasirul Islam said Sheikh Mamun Khaled is being intensively questioned, with investigators obtaining answers to a range of queries regarding his past roles and the Mirpur murder case.
Meanwhile, DB Joint Commissioner (Cyber) Syed Harun Or Rashid said Masud Uddin Chowdhury is being interrogated about human trafficking networks and money laundering. However, he noted that the former general has been evasive when questioned about his role in the 1/11 events and the involvement of others.
Authorities say all statements provided during interrogation are being carefully verified.
The investigation marks one of the most significant attempts in recent years to revisit the controversial 2007 political transition and its aftermath.
With more names emerging and fresh lines of inquiry opening, officials suggest the probe could expand further in the coming weeks.
For now, the focus remains on extracting verifiable information from the two detained generals—information that could reshape understanding of one of the most critical periods in the country’s recent political history.
