Dhaka: Retired Major General KM Shafiullah, the first Army Chief of Bangladesh and a Sector Commander of the Liberation War, has passed away. He died at around 8:45 am on Sunday (January 26) while undergoing treatment at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka.
It is learnt that KM Shafiullah had been suffering from various physical complications including diabetes, hypertension, thyroid, fatty liver, dementia and others for a long time.
KM Shafiullah was born on September 2, 1934 in Rupganj Upazila of Narayanganj. He was the second in command of the 2nd East Bengal Regiment in Joydebpur in 1971. At the beginning of the Liberation War, Shafiullah was the commander of Sector No. 3. Later, when three regular army brigades (known as forces) were formed, he led the 'S' Force. He was also awarded the title 'Bir Uttam' for his special contribution to the Liberation War.
After the country gained independence, Shafiullah served as the army chief from 1972 to 1975. Later, he served as Bangladesh's ambassador to various countries including Malaysia, Canada, Sweden, and England. When he returned home in 1991, he was appointed OSD for a year. He voluntarily retired the following year.