Former Chief of Army Staff Lt General Harun-Ar-Rashid, Bir Protik, passed away in Chattogram on Sunday. He was 77.
Family sources confirmed that he died while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in the port city. Details about the cause of death were not immediately available.
Lt General Harun was a decorated freedom fighter and one of the youngest sector commanders during the 1971 Liberation War. For his courage and leadership, he was awarded the title of Bir Protik. He served as the 11th Chief of Army Staff from December 2000 to June 2002.
A career military officer, Harun was known for his professionalism, integrity, and strong voice in favour of constitutional democracy. After retirement, he engaged in various national dialogues and was active in civil society, often contributing to discussions on security, military affairs, and governance.
His passing comes at a time when many of his fellow freedom fighters and senior defence officials have also passed on, marking the end of a defining era in Bangladesh’s military and political history.
His namaz-e-janaza is expected to be held at the Army Central Mosque in Dhaka Cantonment, followed by burial at the Banani Military Graveyard, according to family sources.
Condolences poured in from retired and serving members of the armed forces, political leaders, and citizens who remembered Lt General Harun as a patriot, a disciplined commander.