Former chief of army staff and sector commander of the liberation war Maj Gen (retd) KM Shafiullah passed away on Sunday morning at the age of 90.
He breathed his last at around 8:45am at the capital's Combined Military Hospital (CMH) while undergoing treatment, his assistant Ziaul Hasan Monir confirmed.
KM Shafiullah, a valiant freedom fighter, was admitted to the hospital on 10 June last year.
He is survived by his wife, two daughters, and a son, along with many admirers.
Shafiullah had been ill for a long time. He was suffering from multiple health complications, including diabetes, hypertension, thyroid issues, fatty liver, and dementia. For years, he required a stretcher to move around.
Meanwhile, Chief Adviser of the interim government Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday expressed deep shock at the death of Shafiullah.
In a condolence message, Prof Yunus said KM Shafiullah played an important role as a sector commander during the 1971 Liberation War. He was the second chief of the 2nd East Bengal Regiment in Joydevpur.
Shafiullah led the 'S' Force during the Liberation War, while he received the title of 'Bir Uttam' for his remarkable contribution to the Liberation War, he said.
After the country achieved independence, Prof Yunus said, KM Shafiullah served as the army chief from 1972 to 1975.
"We remember with gratitude his contribution to the country and its people. People from all walks of life in Bangladesh will remember his heroic works forever with respect," said the Chief Adviser.
KM Shafiullah was born on September 2, 1934 in Rupganj village of Narayanganj. He passed his matriculation from Murapara High School, Rupganj in 1950. He joined the Pakistan Army while studying at Harganga College in Munshiganj. He received a commission in 1955.
KM Shafiullah passed his PSC from the Defense Staff College in 1968. He was an instructor at the School of Infantry. He returned to the battalion after being promoted in 1970.
In 1971, KM Shafiullah received the title of Bir Uttam for his outstanding bravery in the Liberation War and served as the Chief of the Army later. From 1976 to 1991, he served as the Ambassador of Bangladesh to various countries.
When KM Shafiullah returned to the country in 1991, he was made an OSD for 1 year. He voluntarily retired in 1992. Later, he joined the Awami League in 1994. He was elected as a Member of Parliament from the Narayanganj-1 (Rupganj) constituency in 1996 with the nomination of the Awami League.
