Belal Shafiul Huq


Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Haq is a Bangladesh army general and the chief of staff of the Bangladesh Army, in office from 25 June 2015 to 25 June 2018. Before his tenure as chief of staff he served as the Principal Staff Officer of Prime Minister's Office of the Armed Forces Division. He has also served as an Aide-de-Camp to the President of Bangladesh. He was commissioned into the armored corps of the Bangladesh Army in June 1978.

Early life

Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Huq was born on 1 December 1958 in Brahmanbaria, Bangladesh. He passed Secondary School Certificate from Dinajpur Zilla School in 1972. Belal obtained his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Dhaka University and master's degree on ‘Defense Studies’ from National University Bangladesh and Masters in Philosophy from Bangladesh University of Professionals. His brother Annisul Huq was elected Mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation in April 2015.

Military career

ABM Huq received formal education from Dhaka University and afterward attended Bangladesh Military Academy. After completion of training, he was commissioned in Bengal Cavalry on 18 June 1978. He was adjudged as the best all round cadet of his batch and was awarded Sword of Honor. In a distinguished career spanning 40 years, Huq has held a variety of command, staff and instructional appointments. As a staff, he served as the 'Aide-De-camp' to the President of Bangladesh, Brigade Major of an Infantry Brigade and Colonel Staff of an Infantry Division. He commanded two tank units, three brigades and two divisions. He also served as Military Secretary and Adjutant General of the army.

UN missions

From 1988 to 1989, Shafiul Huq served as a Military Observer with the United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group. Huq was appointed Deputy Force Commander and Chief Military Observer of UNMEE on 4 January 2007.

Personal life

Huq is married to Shoma Huq. They have a son named Marzuq, and a daughter. Anisul Huq, the first mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation is his brother. His father Shariful Huq was the former director of Bangladesh Ansar and took retirement in 1982.

Retirement

Belal retired from the army with effect from 25 June 2018.

Honours




Uttoron Padak MedalIndependence Day Award MedalCyclone Relief of 1991 Medal1991 National Election Medal
1996 National Election Medal2001 National Election MedalSilver Jubilee Medal27 years service
20 years service10 years serviceUNIIMOG MedalUNMEE Medal