Liberation War hero Capt Shahabuddin Ahmed dies

Captain (retd) Shahabuddin Ahmed, Bir Uttom, a decorated Liberation War hero famed for his role in aerial missions such as Operation Kilo Flight, passed away on Thursday. He was 77.

The veteran freedom fighter breathed his last at his residence in Dhaka’s Gulshan around 8am.

He had been suffering from age-related complications for several years.

His namaz-e-janaza (funeral prayer) was held at the BAF Base Bashar parade ground at 4:45pm, after which he was scheduled to be buried in his hometown in Faridpur.

When the Liberation War broke out in 1971, Shahabuddin was serving as a pilot with Pakistan International Airlines. He was among the few civilians to be awarded the Bir Uttom for his bravery during the war.

He joined Pakistan International Airlines in 1968 and later travelled to Karachi for training.

When the Liberation War began in 1971, Shahabuddin was serving as a pilot with Pakistan International Airlines. He is among the few civilians to have received the Bir Uttom award for his bravery during the war.

During the March 25, 1971, massacre, Shahabuddin, who was then in Dhaka, realised it was time to take up arms.