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Shahabuddin Ahmed (captain)
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Sahabuddin Ahmed (1948 – 16 October 2025) was a Bangladeshi independence activist and pilot who was awarded the Bir Uttom, the second-highest gallantry award of Bangladesh, for his actions during the Bangladesh Liberation War.[1]
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Early life
Ahmed was born in Char Kamalapur, Faridpur.[2][3] His parents were Giasuddin Ahmed and Laili Rashid.[3] He was married to Rokeya Nargis, and they had two children.[3]
Career
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At the start of the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, Ahmed was working for Pakistan International Airlines.[3][4] On 7 April 1971, he left for India and began organising activities in support of the Liberation War.[3]
On 28 September, the Air Wing of the Mukti Bahini was officially formed, and Ahmed joined it.[3][5] They flew out of Dimapur Air Base in Nagaland, India.[6][7] He was initially trained to fly fighter aircraft but was later reassigned to helicopters due to a shortage of personnel.[3] Though he had no prior experience flying helicopters, he became skilled within days of training.[3]
Ahmed participated in around 10 missions during the war.[3] Ahmed also narrowly escaped death in other missions, including one on 6 December in Moulvibazar District and another on 7 December in Shamshernagar, Sylhet District, when enemy fire damaged his helicopter.[3] One of his most daring operations occurred on 11 December 1971, near Raipura, Narsingdi District, where Indian paratroopers came under heavy attack by Pakistani forces.[3] In response to a distress call, Ahmed and his team (including pilot Badrul Alam and a gunner) flew in an armed helicopter to support them.[3] The helicopter had to fly dangerously low under heavy enemy fire.[3] Despite this, they were able to attack, which led to the death of at least 20 Pakistani soldiers and the injury of another 24–25, forcing the Pakistan Army to retreat.[3]
After the independence
The Government of Bangladesh awarded Ahmed the Bir Uttom award for his actions during the war.[3] After the war, he met with President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on 16 January 1972.[7] He requested that aircraft used during the war, including a DC-3 aircraft donated by the Maharaja of Jodhpur, be given to Biman Bangladesh Airlines.[7] Rahman agreed, and the aircraft were given to Biman.[7] Ahmed retired from Biman Bangladesh Airlines in 2007.[3] He had emphasised the importance of honouring the sacrifices of the freedom fighters and holding war criminals accountable.[3]
Ahmed died at his residence in Gulshan, Dhaka, on 16 October 2025, at the age of 77.[8]
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References
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