Beginning on 9 October 1977, the government of Ziaur Rahman carried out mass executions of military personnel, following a series of attempted coups in Bangladesh.

During this time, the armed forces of Bangladesh were heavily politicised, making it susceptible to coups and mutinies.

[6] Zia and other high-ranking officers were to be killed during the Air Force Day celebrations on 28 September and a Marxist government was to be installed.

However, the event was cancelled due to the Japanese Red Army's hijacking of Japan Air Lines Flight 472, which landed at Dhaka Airport.

[4] Military personnel who were accused of participating in the mutiny were put on trial in groups and had no access to counsel.

To ensure the death of the condemned men, the tendons or arteries of their hands and legs were severed after they were hanged.

[1] Prisoners at Dhaka Central Jail recall hearing the screams of military personnel who protested their innocence as they were taken to the gallows.