Maj Gen (retd) KM Shafiullah, deposing as the 45th prosecution witness in the Bangabandhu Murder Case, narrated to the court yesterday how he became the Chief of Bangladesh Army, reports UNB.

Beginning his deposition at the court of District and Sessions Judge Kazi Golam Rasul, the first Chief of Army Staff of Bangladesh Army said he and Ziaur Rahman had the same qualifications and also got promotions at the same time.

"I lodged protest with Bangabandhu, when I was made chief on April 7, 1972," General Shafiullah told the court explaining that Ziaur Rahman was senior to him by number in the military academy.

He said that after two hours of talks, Bangabandhu commented, "I heard you. There is something called political decision."In reply, the witness said, he told Bangabandhu, "Sir, from today and now onwards I am a victim of circumstances. But Bangabandhu said you're making tall talks. Now, go and take your charge from General Osmany tomorrow."The former army chief then said that he straight went to 46 Brigade from Bangabandhu's office and phoned Ziaur Rahman in Comilla to narrate the whole matter.

He said that after listening to him, Zia told him, "Okay Shafiullah, now goodbye."After a week, a new post of deputy chief of army was created and Zia was posted there. Ziaur Rahman came from Comilla and joined the post, but seemed aggrieved as he expressed to others, he told the court.

Shafiullah said both he and Zia were promoted to the rank of Major General in September, 1973.

Going back, the valiant freedom fighter, said both he and Ziaur Rahman had joined the Pakistan Military Academy in 1953 and commissioned as officers in 1955.

Now an MP from the ruling Awami League, Shafiullah said he had revolted and joined the Independence War against the Pakistani occupation forces while posted at Joydevpur as the second in command of 2nd East Bengal Regiment as a major of Pakistan Army.

He said, "My friend, Ziaur Rahman, also revolted from Chittagong with his 8th Bengal Regiment and joined the Liberation War."He said the exiled government initially gave him the command of Sylhet and Mymensingh region and later, as commander of sector 3.

Later, three brigades were raised and he was made commander of one brigade, named 'S Force,' Shafiullah said.

Ziaur Rahman and Khaled Mosharraf were made commanders of the two other brigades, named 'Z' and 'K' force respectively, he added.

The PW-45 said Zia was in command of Chittagong region and later he commanded a brigade (force), but did not command any sector like him (Shafiullah).

Both he and Zia, the witness said, were promoted as Lt Col by the exiled government during the war in the month of August.

At the fag end of the war, Shafiullah said, he marched towards Dhaka.

After the war, the PW said, he was made the Dhaka Garrison Commander and Zia made the Comilla Garrison Commander and both promoted as full Colonel in March 1972. General MAG Osmany was then the Commandor-in-Chief, he added.

Earlier, the court witnessed an unprecedented scene as the Judge suddenly adjourned the proceedings when 'interrupted' by the prosecution lawyers during cross-examination of PW-44 Col (retd) Shafaat Jamil.

The prosecution side protested and urged the court to give protection to PW-44 as defence lawyer Advocate Khan Saifur Rahman posed a second question to Col Jamil while he was already replying to a question.

But Judge Golam Rasul, apparently annoyed with a prosecution lawyer, suddenly adjourned the court at 11 am.

The court, however, resumed the proceedings after about half an hour with the intervention of the senior lawyers.

The PW-45, Maj Gen (retd) Shafiullah MP will continue his deposition when the court resumes today at 9:30 am.