On May 30, 1981, amid heavy storms in Chattogram, President Ziaur Rahman was staying overnight at the Circuit House to resolve internal disputes within the local BNP. Before dawn, intense gunfire erupted, and journalists nearby, including Helal Uddin Chowdhury, witnessed the area being surrounded by army personnel. Reports later confirmed that President Zia and several loyal officers were killed by rebel soldiers during the attack.

Major General Moinul Hossain Chowdhury’s book describes how junior officers launched a sudden assault around 4 a.m., firing rockets and storming the building. Zia was shot multiple times by Lt. Col. Matiur Rahman. His body was removed before sunrise and buried in Rangunia under military supervision. Journalists reported restricted access to the burial site, and the city remained under army control for two days.

The incident left Chattogram in shock and fear. BNP activists stayed out of sight, and no organized protests occurred. Subsequent reports said some officers involved were killed while fleeing, while Major General Abul Manzoor was captured and later killed in custody, deepening the atmosphere of mistrust within the army.