Golam Helal Morshed Khan is a retired Major General of the Bangladesh Army and veteran of the Bangladesh Liberation War. He was awarded Bir Bikrom, third highest gallantry award, for his actions in the war.[1] He participated in the 1996 Bangladeshi coup d'état attempt.[2][3]
Golam Helal Morshed Khan | |
|---|---|
| Allegiance |  Bangladesh Pakistan (Before 1971) |
| Service/ |  Bangladesh Army Pakistan Army |
| Years of service | 1969–1997 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Unit | East Bengal Regiment |
| Commands held |
|
| Battles/wars | Bangladesh Liberation War |
| Awards |  Bir Bikrom |
| Other work | Chairman of Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad |
Career edit
During the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, Khan was lieutenant in the Mukti Bahini and served in Kalkalia of Sector 3.[4][5] This second was commanded by Major K. M. Shafiullah who was later replaced by Major A. N. M. Nuruzzaman.[4] The neighboring camp was commanded by M Harun-Ar-Rashid who had borrowed weapons from Khan's camp.[6] Khan fought in the battle to liberate Ashuganj in a joint operation between the Indian Army and the Mukti Bahini.[7] He fought in the first and second battle of Belonia.[8]
Khan fought in the Liberation of Mirpur in 1972 as a captain in the 2nd East Bengal Regiment of the Bangladesh Army and commander of Delta Company.[9] After the surrender of Pakistan Army and the independence of Bangladesh, Mirpur was the last stronghold of pro-Pakistan forces.[9] He commanded the Bangladeshi forces composed 82 personnel of Bangladesh Army and 200 personnel of Bangladesh Police.[9] His commanding officer was Major Moinul Hossain Chowdhury who sent Second Lieutenant Selim Mohammad Kamrul Hasan, who was killed in action, to support him.[9][10] The battle saw heavy gunfights between his forces and collaborators of Pakistan Army.[9] After losing 42 army personnel and 82 police personnel Khan retreated from Mirpur to an Indian army base.[9] Mirpur was liberated after reinforcements were sent from different cantonments of Bangladesh.[9]
Major General Khan was the GOC of Bogra Cantonment in 1996.[11][12] He criticised the government following the February 1996 Bangladeshi general election, which was boycotted by all parties except the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party who won,[13] and in response President of Bangladesh Abdur Rahman Biswas sacked him and deputy chief of Bangladesh Rifles, Brigadier General Hameedur Rehman.[11] Army chief general Abu Saleh Mohammed Nasim revolted and launched the failed 1996 Bangladeshi coup d'état attempt with support of troops from Bogra Cantonment.[11] In the June 1996 Bangladeshi general election, the Awami League was elected to power.[13]
Khan is the chairman of Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad.[14]
References edit
- ^ Desk, Countrywide. "Helal for Liberation War spirit in new generations | The Asian Age Online, Bangladesh". The Asian Age. Retrieved 2022-10-20.
- ^ "BANGLADESH'S ARMY CHIEF FIRED". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2022-10-20.
- ^ "Bangladesh ex-army chief arrested". UPI. Retrieved 2022-10-20.
- ^ a b "::: Star Campus :::". archive.thedailystar.net. Retrieved 2022-10-20.
- ^ "Muktijuddho (Bangladesh Liberation War 1971) - Eleven (11) Sectors - History of Bangladesh". www.londoni.co. Retrieved 2022-10-20.
- ^ Harun-ar-rashid, M. (2018-03-26). "Operation Kalachara Tea Garden". The Daily Star. Retrieved 2022-10-20.
- ^ "Ashuganj got freedom in Liberation War today | The Asian Age Online, Bangladesh". The Asian Age. Retrieved 2022-10-20.
- ^ Mustafa, FF Ghulam (2017-12-16). "BATTLES OF BELONIA BULGE". The Daily Star. Retrieved 2022-10-20.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Mirpur: The tale of the last battle". The Business Standard. 2021-12-16. Retrieved 2022-10-20.
- ^ Alamgir, Mohiuddin (2021-01-31). "The last battlefield". The Daily Star. Retrieved 2022-10-20.
- ^ a b c "Bangladeshi President Fires Army Chief". Los Angeles Times. 1996-05-21. Retrieved 2022-10-20.
- ^ Alagappa, Muthiah (2001). Coercion and Governance: The Declining Political Role of the Military in Asia. Stanford University Press. p. 223. ISBN 978-0-8047-4227-6.
- ^ a b "Shaikh Hasina Takes Over From Khalida Zia in Successful Bangladesh Election". WRMEA. Retrieved 2022-10-20.
- ^ Staff Correspondent (2021-03-08). "'We Answered the Call'". The Daily Star. Retrieved 2022-10-20.