An editor has nominated this article for deletion. You are welcome to participate in the deletion discussion, which will decide whether or not to retain it. |
This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these messages)
|
Mohiuddin Ahmed (Bengali: মহিউদ্দিন আহমদ; 31 January 1944 – 20 June 2022) was a Bangladeshi diplomat, the first in Europe to join the Bangladesh Liberation War while he was a second secretary at the High Commission of Pakistan in London.[1] During his career, he served in different positions at Bangladesh Missions in Delhi, Geneva, Jakarta, Jeddah, and New York, and as a Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Principal, Foreign Service Academy. In 1997, he declined two years' ante-dated seniority given to freedom fighter officers. He was also a columnist and has written about 1500 columns in mainstream dailies and weeklies in Bangladesh.
Mohiuddin Ahmed | |
---|---|
Born | |
Died | 20 June 2022 | (aged 78)
Nationality | Bangladeshi |
Education | Masters in economics, Karachi University |
Occupation | Diplomat |
Years active | 1967 – ? |
Known for | Freedom fighter diplomat |
Spouse | Bilquis Mohiuddin |
Children | 2 |
Early life
editMohiuddin Ahmed was born in 1944 in Feni district of Bangladesh and attended G. M. Hat High School, founded by his father Abdur Rashid Master. He later pursued his Master's degree in economics at Karachi University. Ahmed's mother, Arfaner Nesa, had received the 'Ratnagarva Ma' Award (Bengali: রত্নগর্ভা মা পুরস্কার, English: Mothers of talents Award) in 2004 - an award initiated to honor successful mothers of at least 3 children who had established themselves in life by their own talents and achievements.[2][3]
Role in Bangladesh Liberation War 1971
editAt the age of 27, Mohiuddin Ahmed, was a second secretary at the Pakistan High Commission of London. He caused a media stir in the United Kingdom when on 1 August 1971 he had resigned his position and expressed allegiance to the Provisional Government of Bangladesh[4][5] in Kolkata.
The protest rally at Trafalgar Square in August 1971, where Ahmed had declared his allegiance to Bangladesh, is said to be the biggest gathering of Bangladeshis to date. At the rally which was under the banner "Stop Genocide: Recognize Bangladesh", Ahmed delivered a riveting speech to tell people around the world why Bangladesh was waging war to be free.[6] Under the guidance of Justice Chowdhury, Ahmed had played a crucial role in galvanizing the expatriate Bengali community in UK. Ahmed's defection was quickly followed by the same from Mohammed Akbar Lutful Matin on 4 August, Abdur Rouf and Fazlul Haq Chowdhury in September.[7] Ahmed was also at Heathrow Airport to receive Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on 8 January 1972, when the father of the nation transited through London to independent Bangladesh after his release from Pakistan's prison.[8]
Statement at the 68th Regular Session of the UNGA
editAhmed made a statement on nuclear disarmament at the General Debate of the First Committee of the 68th Regular Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on 10 October 2013.[9]
Death
editAhmed died on 20 June 2022 in Uttara, Dhaka, Bangladesh.[10][11]
References
edit- ^ Kar, Amitava (31 October 2014). "A Candid Diplomat". The Daily Star.
- ^ "Ratnagarva MA".
- ^ "Ratnagarbha MA conferred on 25 mothers". Prothom Alo. 10 May 2015.
- ^ Auer, Soraya (22 March 2013). "Home is where the heart is". The Daily Star.
- ^ "Rediscovering UK expats' role in 1971". The Daily Star. 4 March 2017.
- ^ Ahsan, Syed Badrul (20 April 2018). "Our freedom-fighter diplomats". Dhaka Courier.
- ^ "The Diplomatic Front of the Bangladesh Liberation War 1971". Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- ^ Bangabandhu: The People's Hero (PDF). Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 2020. pp. 30–31.
- ^ "Statement by Mr. Mohiuddin Ahmed, Former Ambassador and Secretary". Permanent Mission of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to the United Nations. 10 October 2013.
- ^ "Ex-secretary Mohiuddin Ahmed no more". The Business Standard. UNB. 20 June 2022. Retrieved 20 June 2022.
- ^ "Ex-secretary Mohiuddin Ahmed dies". Prothomalo. 20 June 2022. Retrieved 18 October 2024.