The assassination of Ziaur Rahman dramatised the many ironies of his life and political career. By his own admission, 406 military officers were executed during his regime; and yet, he could not dominate all opposition and was finally himself killed by a group of officers who were known to be opposed to him, but whom he failed to discipline. He was entirely ruthless against his opponents; but the circumstance of his assassination suggest a relaxation of the security apparatus and an almost naive belief in his powers of persuasion.