Former chief of Army Staff General (retd) Muhammad Mustafizur Rahman, Bir Bikram, died of Pancreas cancer at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka Cantonment yesterday morning.
The valiant and decorated freedom fighter was 67. He left behind his wife, three daughters, and a host of relatives, admirers and well-wishers to mourn his death.
He was laid to eternal rest at Military Graveyard in Banani yesterday afternoon with state honour.
Chief of Army Staff General Moeen U Ahmed and senior military officials attended his first namaz-e-janaza that was held at Army Central Mosque premises at Dhaka Cantonment.
His second namaz-e-janaza was held at New DOHS Mosque at Mohakhali.
Born in Rangpur on January 20, 1941, Gen Mustafiz received different higher military and civil training during his military career.
Gen Mustafiz was awarded with the honorary title of Bir Bikram in recognition of his contribution and valour in the War of Liberation in 1971.
The gallant war veteran took part in the Liberation War under Sector 8 at different places of Darshona, Jiban Nagar, Jhenidah, Magura and Faridpur. He sustained bullet injury to his stomach while fighting against the enemy forces at Jhenidah on November 12, 1971, says an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release.
He served as the army chief from December 24, 1997 to December 23, 2000. During his long career, he held positions including Principal Staff Officer of Armed Forces Division and General Officer Commanding of Infantry Division.
Gen Mustafiz was one of the co-accused with former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in the MiG-29 purchase corruption case.
On June 11, the trial court dealing the case granted permanent bail to the ailing former army chief and later on July 8, the court exempted him from personal appearance in the court.
President Iajuddin Ahmed expressed profound shock at the death of former army chief Gen Mustafiz.
In a condolence message, the president dwelt on Gen Mustafiz's professional life and said he had an enormous contribution in establishing an independent and sovereign Bangladesh by participating in the War of Liberation actively.
"The nation will remember with gratitude his contribution in developing the armed forces as well as serving the country with his competence and working experience," President Iajuddin said adding that the nation has lost an experienced war hero.
President Iajuddin prayed for the salvation of the departed soul and conveyed his heartfelt sympathy to the members of the bereaved family.
Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed, currently on a visit to Colombo for attending the Saarc Summit, expressed deep shock at the death of Gen Mustafiz. The chief adviser prayed for peace and salvation of the departed soul and conveyed his deep sympathy to the members of the bereaved family.
Awami League (AL) Acting President Zillur Rahman and Acting General Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of Gen Mustafiz, also a member of advisory council of AL.
In a condolence message, they said the nation has suffered an irreparable loss at his death. They prayed for salvation of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family.
Sector Commanders Forum (SCF) in a condolence message said the nation has lost a true patriot. The SCF also prayed for peace and salvation of the departed soul and conveyed its heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family members.
Dhaka City AL, Workers Party of Bangladesh, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), Liberation War Museum and Rangpur AL district unit and front organizations of the AL also expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of Gen Mustafiz.