Confession Of A Betrayer

Lt Gen (retd) Masud Uddin Chowdhury, one of the key conspirators of the 1/11 (One-Eleven) changeover, has reportedly stated that he played a crucial role during that period specifically to implement a “minus” formula against the BNP and the Zia family. He claimed that despite being a relative, he was denied the position of Army chief, which fuelled his desire for revenge against the Zia family.

Multiple sources indicate that Masud admitted to investigators that he personally planned the arrest and torture of Tarique Rahman. He had hoped that such pressure would force Begum Khaleda Zia to accept all conditions and go into exile. However, Begum Zia remained steadfast. Masud revealed that the primary motive behind arresting Tarique Rahman and Arafat Rahman was to exert psychological pressure on the Zia family to force them out of politics. He admitted that their plans eventually failed due to the uncompromising stance of Begum Zia and Tarique Rahman.

Masud further disclosed that his ambition was to become the Army chief. The plan was for Moeen U Ahmed to step down from the military to take over state power after 1/11, clearing the path for Masud to lead the army. This plan was thwarted by Begum Zia’s resistance. Additionally, Masud admitted to amassing illegal wealth worth approximately Tk1,000 crore after retirement, with assets located in Australia, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Details of the remand and interrogation  Masud Uddin Chowdhury, a former member of parliament for Feni-3, provided these insights during a three-day remand. He was arrested on 23 March  from Baridhara and is being questioned in connection with the murder of an individual named Delwar Hossain in Mirpur during the July mass uprising.

According to investigative sources, he was placed on remand multiple times for questioning regarding 1/11 conspiracies. Although he fell ill on April 12 and was hospitalized, he was discharged on April 27 and resumed interrogation. Investigating officers stated that his testimony is providing vital information for the ongoing probe.

Mohiuddin Ahmad, author of the book One-Eleven, identifies Masud Uddin Chowdhury as one of the most influential “players” of that era. In January 2007, while then-Army Chief Moeen U Ahmed played the leading role in the resignation of President Iajuddin Ahmed’s caretaker government, Masud (then GOC of the 9th Division) was a key executor.

Gen Moeen U Ahmed’s book, “Shantir Swapne (Dreams of Peace)”, mentions: “After Prof Muhammad Yunus declined the offer to become chief adviser, Masud Uddin Chowdhury visited Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed’s residence late at night to request him to take the role.”

Masud’s experience in the DGFI proved instrumental in forming the advisory council.

On 11 January 2007, Masud was among the armed officers who went to Bangabhaban to pressure President Iajuddin Ahmed into declaring a State of Emergency, the book further states.

Read More

PM joins opening ceremony of DC Conference

The “Minus Two” formula and torture allegations

Masud Uddin Chowdhury was a primary architect of the “Minus Two” formula, aimed at removing the top leadership of both the Awami League and BNP.

Torture: During the remand, Masud reportedly admitted to the inhuman torture of Tarique Rahman while in intelligence custody. He confessed that the torture was driven by personal grievance rather than any specific legal allegations.

Extortion: Under the guise of an anti-corruption drive, Masud led a committee that prepared lists of businessmen and politicians to harass and extort. Although the Supreme Court later declared the collection of nearly Tk1,300 crore illegal and ordered its return, the money remains unrecovered.

Political career and corruption

Masud Uddin Chowdhury’s career began in the Rakhi Bahini in 1975 before he was integrated into the Army by Ziaur Rahman. Despite being a relative of Khaleda Zia (the brother-in-law of her late brother Sayeed Iskander), he eventually turned against the family.

Diplomatic posting: Following a rift with Moeen U Ahmed in 2008, he was sent to Australia as High Commissioner. The subsequent Awami League government extended his tenure three times.

Business and syndicates: After retiring in 2014, he entered the manpower export business. He has been accused of leading a “syndicate” in the Malaysian labor market, involving massive fraud and money laundering.

Read More

Confession Of A Betrayer

Politics: He joined the Jatiya Party and became an MP in the 2018 and 2024 elections. It is widely discussed that his entry into the Jatiya Party was directed by the Awami League leadership.

Currently, Masud faces money laundering charges involving Tk100 crore filed by the CID, alongside allegations of embezzling thousands of crores more. Investigating officers have indicated that he will be taken into remand again for further questioning.