Mohammad Shafique Ullah (Bengali: মোহাম্মদ সফিকউল্লাহ) (26 October 1941 – 31 March 2008) was a prominent Bangladeshi freedom fighter and retired colonel of the Bangladesh Army . He served as one of only three Field Commissioned Officers of the Bangladesh Armed Forces during the Liberation War of 1971, as officially documented in the Bangladesh Gazette. For his exceptional bravery and service during the war, Shafique Ullah was awarded the prestigious Bir Protik, the fourth-highest gallantry award for military personnel in Bangladesh.[1]
Colonel (Retd) Mohammad Shafique Ullah Bir Protik | |
|---|---|
 He got promoted in the rank of colonel in 1995 | |
| Native name | মোহাম্মদ সফিকউল্লাহ |
| Born | October 26, 1941 Tipperah, Bengal Province, British India (Now, Chittagong, Bangladesh) |
| Died | March 31, 2008 Dhaka Cantonment, Dhaka, Bangladesh |
| Allegiance |  Bangladesh Pakistan (before 1971) |
| Service/ |  Bangladesh Army Pakistan Army |
| Years of service | 1966-1996 |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Unit | Army Education Corps |
| Commands held |
|
| Battles/wars | Bangladesh Liberation War |
| Awards |  Bir Protik Joy Padak |
| Spouse(s) | Nasima Akhter |
| Children | Brigadier General Mohammad Saif Ullah |
Early life, family and education edit
Mohammad Shafique Ullah was born in Koilain village near the city of Comilla in Bangladesh. His father's name is Maulana Mohammad Mohebullah and mother's name is Rabeya Khatun. His wife's name is Nasima Akhter. Together, they have a son named Mohammad Saif Ullah.[2]
- Mohammad Saif Ullah is a dedicated and brave military officer who has risen through the ranks to become a Brigadier General in the Bangladesh Army, following in his father's footsteps by serving in the military.
Shafique Ullah started his education at West Koiline Government Primary School. Then he got admitted to Nowabpur High School for one year in sixth grade. From grade seven to 10th, he studied at Comilla Zilla School. He completed his higher secondary school at the famous Comilla Victoria College. Finally, he achieved his Bachelor of Arts (Honors) and Masters of Arts degrees in Bangla from the University of Dhaka.
Role of the liberation war edit
Mohammad Shafique Ullah's contribution during the war of 1971 was invaluable. As a leader of a company of freedom fighters, he displayed immense courage, resilience, and a deep sense of duty towards his homeland. His actions and sacrifices inspired his comrades and played a crucial role in the struggle for independence.
On 18 September 1971, Baliadanga in the Kalaroa Upazila of Satkhira district was situated near the border of West Bengal state in India. In the month of September, the Pakistani military maintained defensive positions along the India-Bangladesh border in the Satkhira Jashore area. As part of their plan to weaken the defensive positions of the Pakistani forces and secure the border, a company of freedom fighters led by Mohammad Shafique Ullah crossed the border on 16 September and took positions in Baliadanga. On 17 September, the Pakistani forces launched a counterattack against the freedom fighters. The whole day was spent in combat. The freedom fighters, led by Mohammad Shafique Ullah , courageously fought against the Pakistani forces. The Pakistanis rained down bullets like rain. Ignoring all of this,Mohammad Shafique Ullah led the counterattack against them with his comrades. On the morning of 18 September, the fighting resumed. Mohammad Shafique Ullah, the leader of the freedom fighters, ensured the safety of their defensive positions in the early morning. That's when the Pakistanis unleashed a hail of bullets. The first bullet landed about 250-300 yards away Mohammad Shafique Ullah position. Without succumbing to fear, he encouraged his comrades and gave them instructions. The second bullet landed just 100 yards ahead of him. Within a minute, the third bullet landed right beside him. Before understanding anything, he was knocked down by the powerful impact of the bullet. Fragments of the splintered bullet lodged into various parts of his body. His entire body was soaked in blood. Shafique Ullah did not fear, nor did he give up. Someone quickly arrived and bandaged his wounds. Ignoring the intense pain, he continued to give instructions to his comrades. However, after a while, he lost consciousness. His story remains an indelible part of the history of the war of 1971, serving as a testament to the unwavering spirit and determination of the freedom fighters who fought tirelessly for the liberation of their nation. Shafique Ullah's legacy continues to inspire future generations, reminding us of the immense sacrifices made in the pursuit of freedom and justice.[3]
Military career edit
Colonel Shafique Ullah Bir Protik was a well-known and respected military officer of the Bangladesh Army. His dedication, bravery, and service to his country earned him several awards and accolades.
In 1971, Colonel Protik joined the Bangladesh Army as a lieutenant on the battlefield. He served as a regular officer in the Army Education Corps (AEC) from 1972 to 1974. In 1975, he was appointed as the Chief Instructor of Army School of Education's Administration in Saidpur, where he served as a captain.
Throughout his illustrious career, Colonel Protik was promoted to major in 1997 and served as a lieutenant colonel from 1980 to 1982. In 1985, he was assigned as a Grade-1 (Cantonment) staff officer at the Army Headquarter, and in 1988, he served as an Instructor Class-A at the Bangladesh Military Academy.
Colonel Protik's exceptional leadership, dedication, and service to his country earned him a promotion to colonel in 1994. In this capacity, he worked as the Director of Studies in the Bangladesh Military Academy, where his contributions were invaluable. He played a vital role in shaping the careers of young military officers.
After more than 25 years of dedicated service to his country, Colonel Protik retired from the army in 1996. However, his contributions and achievements continue to inspire and motivate future generations of military officers.
Published works edit
Colonel Ullah was an accomplished writer who published several books on the Liberation War of Bangladesh. His most notable works include:
- Muktijuddhe 8 Number Sector [4] This book provides a first-hand account of the guerrilla war in the Khulna region and is considered an important historical document. It offers a vivid and gripping narrative of the struggle for independence and the bravery of the guerrilla fighters who fought under Colonel Shafique Ullah's leadership.
- Ekattorer Ranagon Gerila Juddho o Hemayet Bahini[5] is a book written in Bengali by Mohammad Shafique Ullah Bir Protik about the guerrilla warfare and the Hemayet Bahiniduring the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. The book describes the struggles and sacrifices of the freedom fighters who fought against the Pakistani army and their collaborators. It provides a detailed account of the formation, training, and operations of the Hemayet Bahini, a resistance force that played a crucial role in the war. The book is a valuable source of information for those interested in the history of Bangladesh and the Liberation War.
- Muktijuddhe Chottogram [6] is a Bengali book by Shafique Ullah that focuses on the role of Chittagong in the Bangladesh Liberation War. It covers the resistance movement, battles,and sacrifices made by the people of Chittagong, and explores the political and social factors behind the war. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of Bangladesh and the Liberation War.
- Muktijuddha Noukamandow [7] is a book written by Colonel Shafique Ullah, which documents the role of the Bangladesh Navy in the Liberation War of 1971. It covers the formation, training, and operations of the naval force during the war, including the historic Operation Jackpot. The book provides a first-hand account of the author's experiences as a commander and offers insights into the strategic decisions made during the war. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the military history of Bangladesh and the Liberation War.
- Muktijuddhe Banglar Nari [8] is a Bengali book written by Shafique Ullah that highlights the contribution of women in the Bangladesh Liberation War. It covers the stories of women who actively participated in the resistance movement, worked as nurses, spies, and fighters, and explores the challenges and discrimination faced by women during the war. It is a valuable resource for those interested in the history of Bangladesh and the role of women in the Liberation War.
Honors and awards edit
Colonel (retd) Md Shafique Ullah was awarded the Bir Protik, one of the highest military honors in Bangladesh, for his bravery and courage in the Liberation War of Bangladesh.[9] He received commission and joined the Bangladesh Army after the war and worked in the Bangladesh Military Academy, in the 24 Infantry Division of the Bangladesh army and in the Bangladesh Army School of Education and Administration.He retired from the Bangladesh Army in 1996 as a colonel.
Death and legacy edit
Colonel (retd) Md Shafique Ullah died on March 31, 2008, in Dhaka Cantonment at the age of 66.[10] He was a highly respected figure in Bangladesh for his contributions to the country's liberation war and his service in the army. In honor of his memory, a road in Uttara sector-4 in Dhaka was renamed after him on October, 2008.[11]
There is also another road from Madhaiva to Rahima nagar named after Bir Protik Colonel Shafique Ullah.
To honor his enduring legacy, the International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT) established the BIR PRATIK SHAFIQULLAH SCHOLARSHIP. [12] Colonel (Retd) Md Shafique Ullah, who later served as treasurer of IUBAT following his retirement from the Bangladesh Army, continues to be commemorated through this scholarship.
Colonel (retd) Md Shafique Ullah will always be remembered as a brave and dedicated freedom fighter and a proud son of Bangladesh. His contributions to the country's independence and his service in the army will always be cherished and honoured by the people of Bangladesh.
References edit
- ^ ডেস্ক, প্রথম আলো. "মোহাম্মদ সফিকউল্লাহ, বীর প্রতীক". চিরন্তন ১৯৭১ | প্রথম আলো. Retrieved 27 April 2023.
- ^ "Life Sketch of Late Freedom Fighter Col (Rtd) Shafique Ullah, Bir Protik – DigBazar". apps.digbazar.com. Retrieved 4 May 2023.
- ^ রিপোর্ট, ডেস্ক (9 April 2023). "Colonel Mohammad Shafiqullah, Bir Protik,". অপ্রতিরোধ্য অগ্রযাত্রা. Retrieved 25 June 2023.
- ^ Ullah, Mohammad Shafique; Ali, Mohammad Saadat (2007). মুক্তিযুদ্ধে আট নম্বর সেক্টর বালিয়াডাঙা যুদ্ধঃ: ১৬-২০ সেপ্টেম্বর, ১৯৭১. Dashdik. ISBN 978-984-8340-47-9. Retrieved 27 April 2023.
- ^ shafique, ullah. একাত্তরের রণাঙ্গন গেরিলাযুদ্ধ ও হেমায়েতবাহিনী - কর্ণেল (অব) মোহাম্মদ সফিক উল্লাহ বীরপ্রতীক. Bangladesh: ahmed publishing house. Retrieved 27 April 2023.
- ^ মুক্তিযুদ্ধে চট্টগ্রাম - কর্ণেল (অব) মোহাম্মদ সফিকউল্লাহ বীরপ্রতীক pdf. Retrieved 27 April 2023.
- ^ 416. মুক্তিযুদ্ধে নৌকমান্ডো - কর্নেল (অব.) মোহাম্মদ সফিক উল্লাহ বীরপ্রতীক - ফ্লিপবুক পেজ 1-50 | FlipHTML5. Retrieved 27 April 2023.
- ^ মুক্তিযুদ্ধে বাংলার নারীঃ কর্নেল (অব.) মোহাম্মদ সফিক উল্লাহ.
- ^ "Bangladesh Gazette of 15 December, 1973; Ministry of Liberation War Affairs". www.molwa.gov.bd. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
- ^ "Bir Pratik Shafique Ullah's death anniv observed | The Asian Age Online, Bangladesh". The Asian Age. Retrieved 27 April 2023.
- ^ Desk, Metro (6 October 2008). "City road to be renamed after Shafique Ullah". The Daily Star. Retrieved 27 April 2023.
- ^ "Notice_SCHOLARSHIP_AT_IUBAT".