Major (Retd) Rafiqul Islam Bir Uttam, one of Bangladesh’s prominent Liberation War commanders, marks his 84th birthday today, 13 September. A veteran military leader, former parliamentarian, writer and government adviser, he is particularly remembered for his role as commander of Sector 1 during the country’s 1971 Liberation War.
Rafiqul Islam was born on 13 September 1943 in Naora village of Shahrashti in Chandpur district. He was the eldest child of Ashraf Ullah and Rahima Begum. His early education took place in different parts of the country because of his father’s government service. In 1959, he passed his matriculation examination in the first division from Annada Model High School in Brahmanbaria. He later studied at Comilla Victoria College and also attended the University of Dhaka, where he studied economics.
His career took a decisive turn when he joined the military. By March 1971, as political tensions intensified across what was then East Pakistan, he was serving in Chittagong with the East Pakistan Rifles.
Leadership during the Liberation War
As the political crisis deepened in March 1971, Rafiqul Islam recognised the growing possibility of a violent crackdown by the Pakistani military. He subsequently became involved in efforts to organise resistance against the Pakistani forces.
One of the early challenges was preventing the unloading of arms and ammunition brought to Chittagong Port for the Pakistani military. Rafiqul Islam worked with local political leaders, Bengali workers and Bengali personnel under his command to obstruct the movement of those supplies. Resistance under his leadership began on the night of 24 March, shortly before the Pakistani military launched its widespread crackdown.
The resistance subsequently developed into a broader armed struggle across Chittagong and the surrounding areas. Rafiqul Islam later assumed command of Sector 1 of the Liberation War. The sector covered a large area including Chittagong, the Chittagong Hill Tracts and Cox’s Bazar, as well as adjoining frontier regions.
Under his command, freedom fighters were organised and directed during the nine-month war against Pakistani forces. Sector commanders played a crucial role in coordinating fighters, organising operations and maintaining resistance across different fronts, and Rafiqul Islam became one of the recognised military leaders of that struggle.
A historic moment after victory
Bangladesh achieved victory on 16 December 1971 after the surrender of Pakistani forces. The following day, on 17 December, the Bangladesh flag was raised at Chittagong Circuit House in an event closely associated with Major Rafiqul Islam.
The flag-raising came immediately after months of armed conflict, loss and displacement, and became a symbolic moment in the transition from wartime resistance to an independent Bangladesh.
In recognition of his contribution and bravery during the Liberation War, Rafiqul Islam was awarded the Bir Uttam title, one of Bangladesh’s highest military gallantry awards.
From military commander to public life
His public career continued after independence. Rafiqul Islam took on a number of important responsibilities and later served as an adviser in the first caretaker government of 1990-91. He was given responsibility for the Ministry of Shipping and the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism.
He subsequently entered electoral politics and was elected to parliament several times from the Chandpur-5 constituency. His career therefore extended beyond the battlefield, encompassing public administration, politics and national service.
Rafiqul Islam has also made a significant contribution as a writer. Drawing on his direct experience of the Liberation War, he documented aspects of the conflict, the experiences of those involved and the sacrifices made by ordinary people.
Among his notable works is A Tale of Millions, whose Bengali version is titled Lokkho Praner Binimoye. Another significant book, Muktir Sopanotole, reflects on the experiences and memories associated with the Liberation War. His writings have sought to preserve not only accounts of military resistance but also the suffering, sacrifice and aspirations of people caught up in the conflict.
His contribution to Liberation War-related literature was recognised with the Bangla Academy Literary Award.
A life closely linked with Bangladesh’s history
Major (Retd) Rafiqul Islam Bir Uttam’s life has been closely connected with several important chapters in Bangladesh’s history. From his role in the resistance in Chittagong in March 1971 to his leadership of Sector 1, followed by responsibilities in government, Parliament and literature, his career has spanned military service, public life and historical documentation.
His books have also provided a personal perspective on a defining period in the country’s history. As one of the officers who took part in the Liberation War and later recorded his experiences, his work remains relevant to efforts to preserve memories of the conflict for future generations.
On his 84th birthday, the veteran freedom fighter is being remembered for his role in the struggle for independence, his leadership during the war and his subsequent contribution to public life and literature.
His journey from military officer to Liberation War commander, public representative and author reflects the varied responsibilities he undertook during different periods of Bangladesh’s history.
Major (Retd) Rafiqul Islam Bir Uttam continues to be associated with the history of the country’s independence, particularly through his wartime leadership and writings on the Liberation War.
On this special day, respect and greetings are extended to the veteran freedom fighter, with wishes for his good health, longevity and a peaceful and dignified life.
