Khaled Mosharraf
Khaled Mosharraf, Bir Uttom (Bengali: খালেদ মোশাররফ; 9 November 1937 – 7 November 1975) was a Bangladeshi army officer who is known for his role in the Bangladesh Liberation War and the subsequent coups in post-independence Bangladesh. After deposing Khondakar Mustaq Ahmad in the 3 November 1975 coup, Mosharraf was assassinated on 7 November 1975.
Major General Khaled Mosharraf | |
|---|---|
| খালেদ মোশাররফ | |
Major General Mosharraf in Colonel insignia (c. 1972) | |
| 3rd Chief of Army Staff | |
| In office 3 November 1975 – 7 November 1975 | |
| President | Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad Abu Sadat Mohammad Sayem |
| Prime Minister | None |
| Preceded by | Ziaur Rahman |
| Succeeded by | Ziaur Rahman |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 9 November 1937 Jamalpur, Bengal, British India (now Mymensingh, Bangladesh) |
| Died | 7 November 1975 (aged 38) Dhaka, Bangladesh |
| Manner of death | Assassination |
| Spouse | Salma Khaled |
| Relations | Rashed Mosharraf (brother) |
| Children | 3, including Mahjabeen Khaled |
| Alma mater | Dhaka College |
| Awards | Bir Uttom |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Bangladesh Pakistan (before 1971) |
| Branch/service |
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| Years of service | 1955-1975 |
| Rank | Major General |
| Unit | East Bengal Regiment |
| Commands |
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| Battles/wars | |
During the outset of the Bangladesh Liberation War, Mosharraf was Second in Command of the 4th East Bengal Regiment in Comilla, which revolted against Pakistan on 27 March 1971. During the war, Mosharraf was appointed the sector commander of sector 2, in addition to leading K Force and Crack Platoon. After being wounded in combat, A.T.M. Haider was appointed as the new sector commander of sector 2.
After the war ended, Mosharraf was awarded Bir Uttom, the second highest gallantry award and was appointed Chief of General Staff of Bangladesh Army. Following the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the chain of command in the military broke down, which Mosharraf intended to restore on 3 November 1975 by removing Khondakar Mustaq Ahmad from power and exiling army officers responsible for Mujib's assassination. On 7 November 1975, a counter-coup was organised by Lt. Colonel Abu Taher and his clandestine group Biplobi Shainik Sangstha, during which Mosharraf was killed, alongside Lt. Colonel A.T.M. Haider and Colonel Nazmul Huda.