On Sunday (26 January 2025), valiant freedom fighter and former Army Chief Major General KM Shafiullah, Bir Uttam, PSC, died of cardiac arrest at 8:45 am at CMH Dhaka. He was suffering from various age-related diseases and was undergoing treatment at CMH Dhaka since 02 January 2025. He was 90 years old at the time of his death.
He was born on 2 September 1934 in a respectable Muslim family in Rupganj, Narayanganj district. Major General KM Shafiullah was commissioned in the Punjab Regiment with the 12th PMA long-term course in 1955. He served as the Sector Commander of Sector-3 during the Great Liberation War. His subordinate ‘S Force’ participated in several important operations as one of the three regular brigades of the Bangladesh Army in the Liberation War. Among them, the 1st and 2nd or final battles of Bilonia, the Battle of Akhaura, the attack on Kishoreganj Sadar, the battle to capture Narsingdi and the battle of Bhairab-Ashuganj are notable. He served as the first Chief of Army Staff of Bangladesh from 7 April 1972 to 24 August 1975.
The funeral prayer of the late Major General KM Shafiullah was held at the Dhaka Cantonment Army Central Mosque at 4 pm today. The funeral prayer was attended by the Honorable Advisor, Ministry of Shipping, Brigadier General Dr. M Sakhawat Hossain (Retd), Honorable Advisor, Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, Faruq-e-Azam, Bir Pratik, Chief of Army Staff General Waqar-uz-Zaman, SBP, OSP, SGP, PSC, Chief of Navy Admiral M Nazmul Hasan, OSP, NPP, NDC, NCC, PSC, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hassan Mahmud Khan, BBP, OSP, GUP, NSWC, PSC, former Army Chiefs, senior officers of the Army, Navy and Air Force of Dhaka and Mirpur Cantonments and members of all ranks were present. After the funeral, the body of the deceased was buried with due state honors at the Banani Military Cemetery.
On behalf of the Bangladesh Army, forgiveness was sought for the departed soul and deep condolences were expressed to his bereaved family.
