Abu Zafar Chowdhury, GD(P), PSC

GOOD OR BAD IT’S MY MOTHER
RIGHT OR WRONG IT’S MY COUNTRY

A Valiant Freedom fighter, Group Captain (Retd) Abu Zafar Chowdhury, GD(P), psc was born on 8th February, 1953 at Harualchari in the district of Chattogram in a elite Muslim family. Late Alhaz Ali Ahmed Chowdhury, his father was the disciple of a famous religious Muslim clergy, who was a resident of Turkey. While studying at undergraduate level, at the age of 18 years joined the Historic War of Liberation of Bangladesh in 1971. Fought in Sector No-01, covering the area of Chattogram Hill Tracks and part of Chattogram district. After the historic and glorious victory and the liberation of Bangladesh, Abu Zafar Chowdhury, joined the newly born Bangladesh Air force on 14th December 1972 as a flight cadet. That was the first batch after liberation of Bangladesh. This is undoubtedly a part of the history of Bangladesh. The group of cadets was sent to former USSR, and was trained in the Warsaw standard Frunze Military Academy. Group Captain (Retd) Abu Zafar Chowdhury has successfully graduated from that academy. He satisfaction in basic, and advanced flying, and as well as in the academics. After completion of three years vigorous training he became an operational pilot, and diploma aeronautical engineer. Besides, passing a tough exam he also qualified himself as a Russian-English-Russian language military interpreter. After completion of the training he, along with the other flight cadets of first GD (P), came back to Bangladesh in the month of November, 1975. During his carrier in the BAF he commanded very many important operational and training units. He was deputized to Iraqi Air Force for two years as a flying instructor to train future fighter pilots. He also served in the flying academy of BAF with utmost sincerity, untiring effort, and dedication. He logged a huge safe training and operational flying hours, holding highest flying hours and instructional hours,

In 1976 till mid 1980 he fought the counter insurgency operation in Chattogram, Hill Tracks (Operation Typhoon) as a Helicopter pilot with the collaboration of Bangladesh Army. He took over The DMCB in 2002. This organization is a 100 % locally sponsored privet Co-Operative Bank. In 2002 this bank had only 7 Branches with a deposit of 60 LAC taka only. With this meager amount and with the handful of branches he took over this Bank as a chairman. With his vigorous endower, zeal and brave steps he augmented the business of this BANK in all sectors as a whole. With his hard work and highly intelligent professionalism the business of the Bank started flourishing. Within a short span of time DMCB became the eye catching icon in the cooperative sector. Currently DMCB is running business with 147 Branches with a per year roll over of TK 40,000 crore.

He is a man of success. A philanthropist who donated good amount of money to the “Differently able child organization’’ [PROYAS] in different Cantonments. He also offers financial assistance for the treatment of cancer patients living below the proverty line. He has always been dedicated himself to corporate Social Responsibility activities and for the houseless poor people of his village he built houses for this deprived communities. As he is the disciple from a Elite Muslim Family he has constructed a Gorgeous Mosque in his village where hundreds of devoted Muslim offers Five time prayers. He also created a Jakat Fund for the poor peoples of his village. He is married. His wife is a highly qualified lady and she is holding the prestigious position as a Managing Director of this Bank. He has got only one highly educated Son and blessed with a Wonderful lovely Grandson. Like many others his grandson has brought all the happiness and peace for him. As if the sun has risen on the horizon.

He always dreamed and aiming to build a poverty-free Bangaladesh through co-operative theme and also believes in fostering community spirit to make the world a better place for each individual. Considering the activities of the Valliant Freedom fighter, Group Captain (Retd) Abu Zafar Chowdhury, GD(P), psc in the field of CSR , innovative schemes, highly–quality service, excellent governance, and unique management systems, he has been honored with BIZZ AWARD-2019 by the US- based international firm –World Confederation of Business. Finally Group Captain (Retd) Abu Zafar Chowdhury, GD(P), psc quoted “This is Bangladesh and This is Micro credit” I’m doing good. DMCB doing Better and INSHSALLAL Best will follow.’’

THIS WORLD IS FOR THE BRAVES
AMIN.

Helal Morshed Khan

Major General Helal Morshed, Bir Bikram is a distinguished Liberation War hero, former senior officer of the Bangladesh Army, military strategist, author and national security commentator.

During the 1971 Liberation War of Bangladesh, he served as the Commander of Sub-Sector D (Delta) under Sector 3 and earlier as the Commanding Officer of Delta Company of the 2nd East Bengal Regiment. He took part in major combat operations from the early days of the war, including the Bhairab–Ashuganj defensive battle, the Shahbazpur Bridge raid, Teliyapara and Bagshair ambushes, the Madhabpur–Harshpur train ambush, the Feni–Belonia operations, and the Mirpur Liberation battle in Dhaka. He was wounded twice in direct combat. In recognition of his exceptional courage and contribution to the Liberation War, he was awarded the prestigious national gallantry title Bir Bikram.

After independence, Major General Morshed played a significant role in the development and professionalization of the newly formed Bangladesh Army. He completed advanced Command and Staff training in the United Kingdom and Indonesia, raised and commanded infantry battalions, served as a Directing Staff at the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC), and as Chief Instructor at the School of Infantry and Tactics (SI&T). He subsequently commanded three infantry brigades, including formations engaged in counter-insurgency operations in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT).

In 1985, while commanding the 203 Brigade in Khagrachhari, he took an early initiative toward dialogue between the Bangladesh Army and the armed representatives of the hill tracts. His initiative contributed to the broader peace process that ultimately culminated in the 1997 Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord.

At the national level, he served as Military Secretary at Army Headquarters, President of the Inter-Services Selection Board (ISSB), Defence and Military Attaché of Bangladesh in Washington, D.C., and GOC of the 11 Infantry Division and Area Commander, Bogura, from which he retired in 1996.

Following his military career, he continued his public service in several fields. He served as an adviser to the Chittagong Hill Tracts Regional Development Board, a Director of Sonali Bank, and later as Chairman of the Central Command Council of the Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad, where he worked for the welfare of Liberation War veterans.

Major General Morshed is also an author of several books and articles documenting his operational experiences during the Liberation War, including works on Ashuganj, the Feni–Belonia front and the final battle of Mirpur. Over the years, he has appeared extensively in television and newspaper interviews, sharing his experiences of the Liberation War and contributing analysis on national and international security affairs. He has received numerous honours from professional, cultural and social organizations for his contribution to the Liberation War and to the welfare of veterans.

Major General Helal Morshed, Bir Bikram, has recently joined The Dhaka Mercantile Co-operative Bank Ltd. (DMCB) as an Adviser. His association with DMCB brings extensive experience in military leadership, organizational management, strategic planning, national service and socio-economic development. Under the leadership of its Chairman, Group Captain (Retd.) Abu Zafar Chowdhury, DMCB has expanded remarkably from seven branches to approximately 153 branches.

Group Captain Abu Zafar, a former Bangladesh Air Force fighter pilot and trained fighter-aircraft instructor, has led this transformation through sustained effort, professional expertise, vision and organizational leadership.

The addition of Major General Helal Morshed, Bir Bikram, is expected to bring further strategic experience and institutional strength to DMCB as it continues to expand its services and pursue its vision of promoting financial inclusion, microcredit and economic self-reliance among people at the grassroots level.

Masud Forkan

Wing Commander Masud Forkan (Retd) hails from Chunati of Lohagara Upazila in Chattogram. He was born on 1 March 1955 and received his education in Dhaka. While studying in the Economics Department of Dhaka University, he joined the Bangladesh Air Force as a flight cadet on 10 March1975 and was commissioned on 29 December 1976.

He built his career as a transport pilot in No. 3 Squadron of the Bangladesh Air Force. He also served a flying instructor at the BAF Academy for three years and later went to Iraq to train Iraqi fligh cadets during 1987–1989 in Tikrit.

He served in the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh as the first Director of Flight Safety and Regulations from 1991 to 1994. He also pioneered the team that negotiated the first Biman Bangladesh flight to New York.

He graduated from the Defence Services Command and Staff College, Mirpur, in 1994–1995 and obtained the fawc qualification from the Air War College of Pakistan Air Force in 1995–1996. He served in various positions at Air Headquarters before retiring from the Bangladesh Air Force in 2005. Before joining DMCB in 2023, he served in a multinational company on diplomatic and consular visa application operations. He is an avid reader and has a deep interest in contemporary Islam. He is married to Ms Zarena Begum and is blessed with one son and one daughter.

BRIGADIER GENERAL MD. MAHMUDUR RAHMAN KHANDKER (RETD)

Brigadier General Md. Mahmudur Rahman Khandker (Retd) was born on 10thFeb 1953 at Kurigram District. At the age of 18, he joined the liberation war in11 Sub Sector under No. 2 Platoon of D Company, 3rd East Bengal Regiment.

He completed his BSC Engineering (Civil) from BUET in 1976. He joined Bangladesh Army in the Corps of Engineers’ in the same year (1976). In the long 32 years of his service carrier, he served many important posts in Army and other services like- Commanding Officer, Chief Instructor of Engineers; Centre& School of Military Engineering; Chief Engineer, Dhaka City Corporation; Officer Admin, DGFI; Garrison Engineer, Base Bashar, BAF; Project Officer, Dhaka Flood Protection Embankment; Station Commander, Jessore Garrison (55 Div); Directors at Army Head Quarter (AHQ), Bangladesh Army. He also served as staff officer in Bangladesh Military contingent to Kuwait from 1991 to 1993. He is married and blessed with two daughters. He is retired from BD Army on 11Th February 2008.

MOHAMMAD MAHFUZUR RAHMAN

Retired from Bangladesh Army on 29 November 2020. His 39 years of career includes vast experience of working at all levels of military command and leadership. Experienced in the highest-level decision-making process for national strategic and military affairs. Worked directly as Principal Staff to the Honorable Prime Minister (Head of the Government) for all operational, administrative matters including disaster management and UN Peace Keeping of the Armed Forces. As Adjutant General of Bangladesh Army he was Vice Chairman of Army Welfare Trust where he worked as Vice Chairman of Trust Bank Ltd.

MAJOR GENERAL AKM ABDULLAHIL BAQUEE (RETD)

Major General AKM Abdullahil Baquee, rcds, ndu, psc (Retired) has been the advisor to The Dhaka Mercantile Cooperative Bank Limited since 02 February 2020. Major General Baquee was born on 03 January 1964 in Chapai Nawabgonj Sub Division under Rajshahi District. He had his early schooling in Chapai Nawabgonj Model School and Horimohon High School. He passed his SSC and HSC from Rajshahi Cadet College. Under Rajshahi Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, he passed in the first division securing 3rd and 5th position in the merit list respectively in SSC (1980) and HSC (1982) examination in Science group. In his school and college life he has been a good player and athlete. He was captain of the college Football team which became champion in the Inter Cadet College Sports Meet in 1982. He made a record timing in the 3000 meter Steeple Chase event in the same sports meet. He was the College Prefect of Rajshahi Cadet College in the Year 1981-82.

Major General Baquee joined Bangladesh Military Academy in the year 1982 with 10TH BMA Long Course. He was appointed as Battalion Senior Under Officer (BSUO, the highest appointment as a Gentleman Cadet) of the Cadet Battalion. He received the coveted “President’s Sword of Honor” for his best all-round performance in the academy. He also earned his B. Sc. degree from Chottogram University with a First Class (Distinction in Mathematics). He was commissioned as an Infantry officer in the year 1984.

Major General Baquee, during his service, attended Army Command and Staff Course from Defense Services Command and Staff College, Mirpur and obtained his Masters degree in Defence Studies from Bangladesh National University in 1995. He is a PhD candidate (2019-2020) in Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP), under the Center for Higher Studies and Research. He is also an adjunct faculty in Faculty of Business Studies (Department of Business Administration), Faculty of Security and Strategic Studies (Department of Peace Conflict and Human Rights), Faculty of Arts and Social Science (Department of Development Studies) in BUP. The General is a fellow of National Defence University (2004-2005), Washington .He is also a fellow of South Korean National Defence University, Seoul (2010-2011) and Royal College of Defense Studies, London (2018-2019). He is now an academic advisor for the Course Members of National Defence College (NDC), Mirpur. He also renders service as resource person to the course members of Armed Forces War Course in NDC.

While in service, the officer had two tours of duties in the United Nations Peace Keeping Missions; one in UNIKOM at Iraq-Kuwait borders (1999-2000) and the other in UNAMIS at Khartoum (2007-2008). The officer served as Commandant of School of Infantry and Tactics (SI&T), Sylhet, and Commandant of Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC), Mirpur. He also had tenure of service as Senior Directing Staff at National Defence College, Mirpur. He completed his service career in the year 2021 from NDC.

Major General Baquee was team captain of the Army Football team in 1991, and he received "Army Blue" in Football in the same year as the Army Team clinched first ever international trophy in Kathmandu, Nepal, taking part in ‘Tribhuvan Challenge Shield’. He served tenure of 2 years (2016-2018) as Vice President of Bangladesh Golf Federation and the Vice President of Kurmitola Golf Club. He was President of Bogura Golf and Country Club from 2013 to 2016. He is a keen golfer. He loves travelling. He is fluent in Bangla and English, can read Arabic and understands Indonesian Language (Bahasa Indonesia), Turkish Language (Turkche) and Korean Language (Hangul).

BRIGADIER GENERAL SHAH-NOOR-JILANI (RETD)

Brigadier General Shah-Noor Jilani (Retd) joined The Dhaka Mercantile Co-operative Bank limited as Advisor (Marketing and Monitoring) on 01 March 2021. Shah-Noor Jilani was born in january 1967 at Mirsharai of Chottogram district. He belongs to a SHAHEED family. At the age of 4 years he lost his Father, Mother, Two Brothers and the only sister who all were killed by the Pakistan Army during Liberation War on 06 April 1971. Had his primary and high school education at chottogram until he joined Jhenidah Cadet College in 1979 and Passed both SSC and HSC under Jessore Board in 1983 and 1985 respectively. He was House Prefect (1984-1985) and a promiant All-rounder Cadet for Games, Sports, Cultural events and Academic Subjects as well. His record timing in 400 metres Hurdles made in 1983 remains unbroken until date. He received ‘COLLEGE BLUE’ in Basket Ball (1985) and BMA colour in 1987. He joined Bangladesh Military Academy with 16th BMA Long Course in August 1985 and was Commissioned in the Core of Infantry in 1987. He was appoineted as Battalion Junior Under Officer (BJUO) in BMA.

Shah-Noor Jilani is a retired Brigadier General who have served Bangladesh Army and United Nations over 33 years in a diverse range of administrative, instructional, management and leadership positions in different challenging and multi-cultural environments. Each of the position held demands deep involvement in strategic planning, security and risk management, effective administration, sound and efficient financial management, critical analysis and decision making along with HR development and management. In his long tour of duty, Brigadier General Jilani served as Commandant Corps of Military Police (CMP), Deputy Commandant of The East Bengal Regimental Centre (EBRC) and Pioneer Commander of 99 Composite Brigade at Padma Multi Purpose Bridge Project. He was Managing Director (MD) of the Largest Army Officers Housing Project JOLSHIRI. During his service, the officer had two tour of duties in the United Nations Peace keeping Mission; One in UNIKOM (Iraq-Kuwait, 1994-95) and another in MONUSCO (DR Congo 2010-11). Finally Brig Gen Jilani Completed his service as Deputy Director General from Director General Defence Purchase (DGDP) on 31 December 2020.

Brigadier General Jilani has been awarded with “Bishisto Sheba Padak” (BSP) for his extraordinary performance and contribution in constructing Emergency Embarkment at Padma Bridge site in 2014 as Commander 99 Composite Brigade.

Brigadier General Jilani is a keen Golfer and associated with different Golf Clubs of the Country. Presently he is EC member and Chairman Tournaments Commitee of Army Golf Club (AGC) Dhaka. He is also member of Dhaka Club and Chittagong Boat Club. He loves travelling and travelled 21 Countries so far. He is Happily married to Nusrat Hossain who is a banker and now serving as Chief Manager (SAVP) in Trust Bank Ltd, Radission Br, Dhaka. They have two sons studing in University and College.

Squadron Leader (Retd) Md. Abul Kalam Azad

Squadron Leader (Retd) Md. Abul Kalam Azad was born in 1961 at Shariatpur and passed SSC from Panditsar High School, Shariatpur, in 1977. He passed HSC from Jessore Cantt College and obtained a BA degree from Dhaka University. He was commissioned in 1997 in the Bangladesh Air Force in the Administrative Branch. He served in various places of the Bangladesh Air Force, including as a General Service Training Officer at Bangladesh Air Force Academy, Jessore.

He served at BAF PKP, OC 41 Sqn BAF, BAF Shamsherbagar, BAF AKR, Adjut BAF Shaheen College Dhaka, BAF Record Office and BNCC (Air Wing) HQ. In 2011, he served on a United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and in 2012, he performed the Holy Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

He retired from the Bangladesh Air Force in 2016 as Sqn Ldr. He joined The Purba Ltd in 2021 and continues till now. He is married and blessed with two sons and one daughter. His wife is a housewife.

GROUP CAPTAIN MD ATAHARUL KABIR (RETD)

Group Captain Md Ataharul Kabir (Retd), a distinguished academic leader and seasoned administrative professional, joined The Dhaka Mercantile Co-operative Bank Limited on 01 Jan 2026. Born in June 1967, he hails from College Road, Alamnagar, Rangpur.

He was commissioned in the Education Branch of Bangladesh Air Force in June 1993 receiving the prestigious “Chief of Air Staff’s Trophy” for his best all-round performance in the academy. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he served with distinction in a wide array of academic, instructional, administrative, and leadership roles across diverse, challenging, and multicultural environments, culminating in his retirement in 2024.

Throughout his illustrious career, Group Captain Kabir held several key leadership positions, including Principal of BAF Shaheen College Chattogram; Officer Commanding of the Academic Training Wing at Bangladesh Air Force Academy (BAFA); Officer Commanding of the School of Security and Intelligence; Additional Exam Controller at the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST); and General Staff Officer-2 at the National Defence College (NDC), among others.

In addition to his significant contributions to the training and development of officers, cadets, and civilian students, he has maintained close professional engagement with national and international stakeholders. Notably, he served as a Military Observer in the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Academically, he holds a Master’s degree in English from the University of Rajshahi. His professional development encompasses a broad spectrum of disciplines, including public administration, education management, journalism, and international language studies.

Group Captain Kabir is an avid golfer and is associated with several golf clubs across the country. He is married to Wing Commander Kawsara Parvin, and the couple is blessed with a daughter and a son.