Mohammad Abdur Rab (Bir Uttam)


Mohammad Abdur Rab, Bir Uttom also known as M A Rab, was the first Chief of Staff of the Bangladesh Army from 10 April 1971 till 6 April 1972.

Early life

Abdur-Rab was born at village of Khagaura under Baniachong of Habiganj in 1919. A lifelong bachelor, he was elected as lawmaker from the Jatiya Sangsad constituency comprising Baniachang and Ajmiriganj thanas.

Death

Abdur-Rab died 14 November 1975 at the Combined Military Hospital, Dhaka at age 56. He had been suffering from ailments including anemia. He was laid to rest at his village of khagaura on the banks of Khowai River in Habiganj.
His younger brother Abdur Rahim said that no pension was paid to any of his family members. Abdur Rab's grave is at the district headquarters of Habiganj. Other than some local freedom fighters, nobody was seen to go visit the site, even on the country's national days.

After independence of Bangladesh

Abdur Rab was honoured with the 'Bir Uttam', the country's second highest award. He was also given the rank of Major General. He was awarded the Independence Day Award posthumously in 2000.