Former Bangladesh diplomat KM Shehabuddin who left Pakistan’s side in 1971 dies

Former diplomat KM Shehabuddin, who showed much courage to leave Pakistan’s side during the 1971 Bangladesh War, has died following old-age problems.

He passed away at Dhaka’s United Hospital on Wednesday afternoon.
 
He was hospitalised when his health deteriorated on Tuesday.
 
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has sympathised with the family in a condolence note sent from her office.
 
Shehabuddin was a member of the Awami League’s Sub-Committee on Foreign Affairs.
 
He was the second secretary to the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi during the Liberation War.
 
After the formation of the Mujibnagar Government, he quit the job and joined the Bangladesh side with his colleague Amzadul Haque.
 
Former diplomats still talk about his courage to leave the Pakistan office risking the lives of his wife and two children.
 
After independence, Shehabuddin was Bangladesh ambassador to Poland, Kuwait, France and the US.
 
He left behind four daughters.
 
He authored a book - There and Back Again: A Diplomat's Tale.

Former diplomat Mohiuddin Ahmed told bdnews24.com Shehabuddin was the first diplomat to join the Bangladesh side during the war.

He was the Bangladesh ambassador to the US during President Bill Clinton’s Dhaka visit in 2000.

Born at Chittagong’s Chandnaish on Apr 11, 1937, he joined Civil Service of Pakistan in 1966.

Former diplomat Mohiuddin Ahmed told bdnews24.com Shehabuddin was the first diplomat to join the Bangladesh side during the war.

He was the Bangladesh ambassador to the US during President Bill Clinton’s Dhaka visit in 2000.

Born at Chittagong’s Chandnaish on Apr 11, 1937, he joined Civil Service of Pakistan in 1966.

The foreign ministry has said  his Namaj-e-Janaza will be held at Gulshan Azad Mosque after Zohr prayers on Thursday.