Mustafizur Rahman (general)

Rahman was born in Rangpur, East Pakistan.[3] He was a cousin-in-law of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman since he married Mujib's cousin, and was an uncle of Sheikh Hasina.

Rahman joined the Pakistan Air Force as an Airman in 1962 as a Communications Technician after graduation in B.Sc (Physics). He reached the rank of Lance Corporal in 1965. He was commissioned into the Corps of Signals of Pakistan Army as a Second Lieutenant in 1967 through the Army Cadet College program in PMA Kakul. After serving his infantry attachment with the 2nd Battalion East Bengal Regiment, then stationed at Multan, and serving as a Platoon Leader in a Signals Coy under the 12th Infantry Division, he was attached to the 7th Wing East Pakistan Rifles in 1970. Fought in Bangladesh Liberation War in the Rangpur Sector and was awarded Bir Bikrom by the Government of Bangladesh.[3] He was wounded in action on November 1971. Became Major in Bangladesh Army in January 1972. Commander of BDR Battalion in 1972-74, promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 1974 and Commanding Officer, HQ Signals Battalion, Jessore in 1974-76. Instructor at BDR Training Centre, 1976-78 and Staff Officer, Ansar & VDP Headquarters, 1978-1980. CO of Signals Battalion under Jessore Division 1980-83. Promoted to Colonel in 1982. Colonel in DGFI 1983-1986. Promoted Brigadier in 1986 and commander of BDR Sector (Brigade) 1986-88. Commander, 113 Infantry Brigade 1988-91. Promoted Major General in 1991 as Signals Director. 1993-1995 Major General Mustafizur Rahman General Officer Commanding-55 Division, Jessore Garrison and principal staff officer of Bangladesh army. Quartermaster General, 1995-1996 and Commandant, DCSC 1996-997[4] He served as the Army chief of Bangladesh from December 1997 to December 2000.[3] In 2004 the Bangladesh Nationalist party government tried to demote him post retirement from General to Lieutenant General and accused that his promotion was a result of his undue influence on the previous Bangladesh Awami League government.[5] Bangladesh High Court nullified the government order and reinstalled his four star rank.[6]

Rahman was one of the accused in a corruption case regarding the procurement of MiG-29 for Bangladesh Air Force along with other government officials including Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.[7][8]