Mozahar Ullah
Mozahar Ullah | |
|---|---|
| Native name | মোজাহার উল্লাহ্ |
| Born | Bhaluka, Mirsharai Upazila, Chittagong District, East Pakistan |
| Died | 2008 |
| Allegiance | Bangladesh |
| Branch | Mukti Bahini |
| Years of service | 1971 |
| Rank | Naval Commando |
| Battles / wars | Bangladesh Liberation War |
| Awards | Bir Uttom |
Mozahar Ullah (died 2008) was a veteran of the Bangladesh Liberation War and naval commando who was awarded the Bir Uttom, the second-highest gallantry award of Bangladesh,[1] for his contribution to the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971.[2]
Career
Ullah was working in a private insurance company in Karachi, West Pakistan, in 1971.[3] During a visit to his home in East Pakistan, the Bangladesh Liberation War broke out. He joined the resistance in Chittagong.[3] After the initial phase of resistance, he went to India and joined the naval wing of the Mukti Bahini.[3]
Ullah was one of the leaders of a daring naval commando operation at Chittagong Port on the night of 15–16 August 1971.[3] A total of 61 naval commandos had gathered in Chittagong, divided into three teams with Ullah leading one of the teams.[3] They carried heavy loads of about 20 kg each, including limpet mines, fins, grenades, and food, part of the way on foot from India.[3] On the night of the operation, the teams swam across the Karnaphuli River to plant mines on targeted ships and barges.[3] Despite torrential rain and heavy security, the commandos successfully mined multiple targets.[3] Around ten enemy ships and installations were either destroyed or severely damaged.[3] These included MV Al Abbas, MV Hormuz, two navy gunboats, the barge Orient, and several others.[3]
Ullah remained onshore during the mission to provide cover and support.[3] The operation was considered one of the most successful sabotage missions of the naval commandos during the war.[3] Due to his involvement in the war, the Pakistani army detained and killed his father, Ali Azam.[3] Their family home was also burned down.[3] After the war, he resumed his career in the insurance sector.[3]
Personal life
Ullah's ancestral home is in Bhaluka village, Mirsarai Upazila, Chittagong District.[3] He was married to Del Afroz, and they had one son and four daughters. His mother's name was Khairunnesa.[3]
Death and legacy
Ullah died in 2008 after a prolonged illness.[3] According to his family, he did not receive adequate medical care during his illness.[3] His wife, Del Afroz, has publicly appealed for a location or structure in Chittagong to be named in his honor.[3]
References
- ^ Haque, Muhammad Lutful. "Gallantry Awards - Banglapedia". Banglapedia. Retrieved 2025-06-08.
- ^ "Amardesh - List of Bir Uttam - 1971". www.amardesh.com. Retrieved 2025-06-08.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t Rahman, Rashidur (23 March 2012). "তোমাদের এ ঋণ শোধ হবে না". Prothom Alo. Archived from the original on 2020-08-09. Retrieved 2025-06-08.