Dhaka – The Bangladeshi chess community is mourning the sudden and untimely death of Ziaur Rahman, the country’s top-ranked chess grandmaster, who passed away on Friday at the age of 50. Rahman, who was competing in the 12th round of a national championship match against fellow grandmaster Enamul Hossain, collapsed during the game due to a stroke. Despite immediate medical efforts, Rahman was pronounced dead upon arrival at a hospital in Dhaka.
The incident occurred in the midst of a highly competitive match, sending shockwaves through the chess community. Shahab Uddin Shamim, the general secretary of the Bangladesh Chess Federation, confirmed the tragic news, detailing the rapid and somber sequence of events. “Players and officials present in the hall room took him to the hospital quickly after he collapsed. Upon reaching there, doctors said he had already died,” Shamim told AFP.
Enamul Hossain, Rahman’s opponent during the fateful match, described the alarming situation. According to Enamul, it took a few moments for the severity of the situation to become clear. “When he was playing, it never felt like he was sick,” Enamul said. “It was my move. So, when he was falling down, I thought he was leaning down to pick up a water bottle. But then he collapsed, and we rushed him to the hospital. His son was playing at the next table.”
Rahman’s death has sent waves of grief throughout the chess community in Bangladesh and beyond. As the highest-ranked chess grandmaster in Bangladesh, Rahman held a distinguished position in the sport. He was celebrated for his exceptional skill and strategic acumen, winning the national championship multiple times over the course of his career.
Rahman’s contribution to chess extended beyond national borders. He represented Bangladesh at the 44th Chess Olympiad in India in 2022, a prestigious event that showcased the talents of top players from around the world. His participation in such a significant international event underscored his status as one of Bangladesh’s foremost chess players and highlighted his role in promoting the sport on a global stage.
Throughout his career, Rahman was known not only for his prowess on the chessboard but also for his dedication to the game. His achievements were a source of national pride and inspiration for many aspiring chess players in Bangladesh. His success on the chessboard and his role in representing Bangladesh internationally left a lasting impact on the sport and contributed to the growing recognition of Bangladeshi chess talent.
The news of Rahman’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes and condolences from fellow players, officials, and fans. His passing is a significant loss to the chess community, where he was regarded as a trailblazer and a respected figure. The chess fraternity remembers Rahman not only for his competitive achievements but also for his contributions to the development and promotion of the game in Bangladesh.
In reflecting on Rahman’s legacy, many have highlighted his role in inspiring the next generation of chess players. His success and dedication demonstrated the potential for excellence in Bangladeshi chess and provided a model of achievement for young players to aspire to. As the chess community comes to terms with his loss, Rahman’s memory will be honored through the continued pursuit of excellence in the sport he loved.
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