Remembering Major Ziauddin Ahmed: A Valiant Star of Bloody ’71

In the history of Bangladesh’s Great Liberation War, there are the names of certain brave military commanders whose contributions are still not adequately discussed. One of them is Major (Retd.) Ziauddin Ahmed—a fierce freedom fighter, sub-sector commander, organizer, and a true friend of the fishing community in the Sundarbans. From the battlefield to the last day of his life, he fought for his country, its people, and justice.

He was born in December 1950 into an educated and distinguished family in Pirojpur town. His father, Advocate Aftab Uddin Ahmed, was the chairman of the Pirojpur Municipality. He displayed leadership qualities from his student days. In 1968, he was elected president of the Pirojpur Chhatra Union, and the following year, he was commissioned into the Pakistan Army as a second lieutenant.

In 1971, he was stationed in West Pakistan. When the Great Liberation War began, he risked his life to escape from Pakistan, came to India, and joined the war. He was assigned as the commander of the Sundarbans Sub-Sector under Sector 9. Under his leadership, a series of successful guerrilla and frontal operations were conducted across the expansive coastal regions of the Sundarbans, Mongla, Sarankhola, Bagerhat, and beyond.

The 12-day continuous operation starting from August 16, 1971—where multiple Pakistani naval vessels were destroyed and their supply lines severely disrupted—is remembered as one of the brightest chapters of his heroic saga. His extraordinary leadership in coastal warfare earned him legendary status among freedom fighters.

After independence, he returned to the army and was subsequently promoted to the rank of major. During the political transformation of 1975, he was serving in the DGFI in Dhaka. Following the events of November 7, he became known as one of the close comrades of Colonel Taher. Later, he was arrested and sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for life by a military court. In 1980, he was released under a general presidential amnesty.

In 1983, he moved to Singapore. Later, he returned to Dublar Char in the Sundarbans and dedicated himself to a different kind of struggle. Organizing the fishing community, who were plagued by the torture of forest bandits, he worked for the development of the dry fish (shutki) industry and served for a long time as the chairman of the ‘Dubla Fishermen Group’. Alongside this, through a non-political initiative called ‘Save the Sundarbans’ (Sundarban Bachao), he played a vital role in protecting the environment, biodiversity, and the rights of the fishing community in the Sundarbans.

Due to his uncompromising stance against pirates and forest bandits, he faced death threats and attacks on multiple occasions. Yet, he did not step back. His fearless role in ensuring the safety of ordinary people and establishing peace in the Sundarbans turned him into a living legend.

He recorded his memories of wartime life and the history of the Liberation War in the Sundarbans region in his book ‘Sundarban Samare O Sushmay’. The book is considered an important document regarding the wartime phase of the southwestern region of the Liberation War.

He breathed his last on July 28, 2017, while undergoing treatment at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore.

The life of Major Ziauddin Ahmed teaches us that patriotism is not limited to the battlefield alone; standing by the people, fighting against injustice, and illuminating the lives of marginalized people are also the duties of a true patriot.

Today, on his death anniversary, we offer our deepest respects. His bravery in the Great Liberation War, his genuine love for the people of the Sundarbans, and his struggling life will forever inspire generation after generation.