Major (Retd) Rafiqul Islam Bir Uttam, a prominent commander of Bangladesh’s Liberation War, marks his 84th birthday today, 13 September. A veteran freedom fighter, former commander of Sector 1, writer, former parliamentarian and government adviser, he has remained closely associated with several important chapters of Bangladesh’s history.
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. Because of his father’s government service, he spent his school years in different parts of the country. He passed his matriculation examination in the first division from Annada Model High School in Brahmanbaria in 1959.
He later studied at Comilla Victoria College and also pursued economics at the University of Dhaka. His subsequent entry into military service marked a significant turning point in his career and eventually placed him at the centre of one of the most defining periods in Bangladesh’s history.
A key role in the resistance in Chittagong
In the tense days of March 1971, Rafiqul Islam was serving in Chittagong with the East Pakistan Rifles. Political tensions had escalated sharply following the growing demand for Bangladesh’s independence, while the possibility of a military crackdown was becoming increasingly apparent.
Against this backdrop, he took part in efforts to organise resistance against the Pakistani forces. He worked with local political leaders, Bengali workers and Bengali personnel under his command to prevent the unloading of arms and ammunition brought to Chittagong Port for the Pakistani military.
Resistance under his leadership began on the night of 24 March. As the conflict spread, Chittagong and the surrounding areas became important fronts in the armed struggle that followed.
Rafiqul Islam later took charge as commander of Sector 1 of the Liberation War. The sector covered Chittagong, the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Cox’s Bazar and extensive frontier areas. From this position, he was responsible for organising and directing freedom fighters during the nine-month conflict.
The Liberation War involved resistance across multiple fronts, with freedom fighters operating under difficult conditions against the Pakistani military. As a sector commander, Rafiqul Islam played a significant role in coordinating the resistance in the areas under his command.
A memorable moment after victory
Bangladesh achieved victory on 16 December 1971 following the surrender of Pakistani forces. The next day, on 17 December, the Bangladesh flag was raised at Chittagong Circuit House in a historic event associated with Major Rafiqul Islam.
The moment came after nine months of war, loss and sacrifice. For those who had fought for independence, the raising of the national flag represented the culmination of the resistance and the emergence of a sovereign Bangladesh.
In recognition of his courage and leadership during the Liberation War, Rafiqul Islam was awarded the title of Bir Uttam, one of Bangladesh’s highest military gallantry awards.
From military commander to public life
His public career continued after independence. He took on several important responsibilities and later served as an adviser to the first caretaker government in 1990-91. During that period, he was responsible for the Ministry of Shipping and the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism.
He subsequently entered parliamentary politics and was elected several times from the Chandpur-5 constituency. His career therefore extended well beyond his military service, encompassing government responsibilities and elected public office.
Rafiqul Islam has also made his mark as a writer. Drawing on his direct experience of the Liberation War, he recorded aspects of the conflict, the experiences of those who took part in it and the sacrifices made by ordinary people.
His notable book A Tale of Millions, whose Bengali version is Lokkho Praner Binimoye, is regarded as an important work connected with the history of the Liberation War. Another significant book, Muktir Sopanotole, reflects on the memories and experiences associated with the struggle for independence.
His writings do not focus solely on battlefield events. They also address the suffering of civilians, the sacrifices made during the conflict and the aspirations that drove people towards independence.
His contribution to Liberation War-related literature was recognised with the Bangla Academy Literary Award.
A life intertwined with Bangladesh’s independence
Major (Retd) Rafiqul Islam Bir Uttam’s career has extended across military service, the Liberation War, government, Parliament and literature. His role as a Sector 1 commander placed him among the military leaders who helped organise resistance during the country’s struggle for independence.
His later writings also provided a record of experiences from a period that remains central to Bangladesh’s national history. Through his books, memories of the war and the sacrifices surrounding it have been preserved in written form.
On his 84th birthday, the veteran freedom fighter is being remembered for his contribution to the Liberation War and his subsequent service in public life. His journey from military officer and wartime commander to government adviser, parliamentarian and author reflects the different roles he undertook over the course of his life.
For generations born after 1971, the experiences of people who directly witnessed and participated in the Liberation War remain an important source for understanding the country’s independence. Rafiqul Islam’s military service and literary work form part of that wider historical record.
As he marks his 84th birthday, tributes are being extended to Major (Retd) Rafiqul Islam Bir Uttam, with wishes for his good health, longevity and a peaceful and dignified life. His contribution to Bangladesh’s Liberation War and his efforts to document its history remain an enduring part of his public legacy.
