Key masterminds behind One-Eleven still remain out of reach

Former military officers accused of involvement in the creation of the One-Eleven political change and efforts to destabilise the country and depoliticise politics have started facing legal action, but critics say alleged civilian figures linked to the events still remain beyond accountability.

Authorities have so far arrested three former military officers over allegations connected to the One-Eleven episode. However, questions have emerged in political and social circles over why alleged civilian actors accused of playing roles during that period have not faced legal proceedings.

Some former military officials and political observers argue that if former military officers face investigation over the events surrounding One-Eleven, alleged civilian collaborators should also face scrutiny if evidence supports such action.

The issue gained renewed attention after the recent arrests of Lt Gen (retd) Masud Uddin Chowdhury, Sheikh Mamun Khaled and former Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) chief Maj Gen (retd) Md Afzal Naser.

According to sources in law enforcement agencies, investigators questioned the three former officials extensively in custody.

The sources claimed that during interrogation, the former officials mentioned several influential figures, including individuals allegedly associated with the One-Eleven administration and civil society circles.

Investigators have also examined allegations surrounding efforts to implement political restructuring plans and depoliticisation strategies during that period.

The issue has reignited debate in political circles, with renewed discussion centring on accountability and the roles played by various actors during the One-Eleven period.

Sources said that although military figures allegedly involved in the One-Eleven episode have come under surveillance and legal proceedings, questions have emerged over the absence of specific legal action or arrest warrants against two influential media personalities.

Several political and social organisations, including Bangladesh Muktijuddha Mancha, have urged the government to arrest the two prominent media figures under sedition charges.

Protesters alleged that during the 2007 political crisis, the two editors used their writings and media platforms to support efforts aimed at weakening major political parties and removing top political leaders under the so-called “minus formula”.

According to allegations, a section of civil society and some senior military officials took advantage of political instability on January 11, 2007, and seized power as part of what critics describe as a foreign-backed conspiracy.

Critics claimed the move aimed to undermine democracy and long-term development in Bangladesh.

They further alleged that the administration led by then army chief Moeen U Ahmed and former chief adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed restricted political activities and targeted political leaders after taking power.

Political critics also claimed that influential newspapers promoted the “minus formula” through editorials and commentaries and helped create public support for depoliticisation efforts.

They alleged that authorities arrested political leaders and subjected them to media scrutiny as part of efforts to damage their public image.

Critics further alleged that the government sought to weaken nationalist political forces and filed false cases against political leaders, including Tarique Rahman and Arafat Rahman.

They also claimed authorities attempted to split the BNP through reform proposals during that period.

Political analysts and some former military officials said a complete accountability process over the controversial One-Eleven period would require scrutiny of all actors allegedly involved, including civilian and media figures, if evidence supports legal action.

However, no court ruling or official legal findings confirming these allegations were mentioned in the information provided.