Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad
খন্দকার মোশতাক আহমেদ
Sculpture of Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad
President of Bangladesh
In office 15 August 1975 – 6 November 1975
Preceded by	Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
Succeeded by	Abu Sadat Mohammad Sayem
Personal details
Born	1918 Dashpara, Comilla District, formerly Tippera District, Bengal Presidency
Died	5 March 1996(1996-03-05) (aged 77–78) Dhaka, Bangladesh
Political party	Awami League (1949–1975 )
Other political affiliations	All-India Muslim League (Before 1949) Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Awami League (1975)
Alma mater	University of Dhaka

Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad (born around 1918 – died 5 March 1996) was a Bangladeshi politician. He served as the President of Bangladesh for a short time. This was from 15 August to 6 November 1975. He became president right after the death of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Early Life and Politics

Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad was born in a Bengali Muslim family. This was in the village of Dashpara, in Comilla (then called Tippera District). He earned a law degree from the University of Dhaka. He started his political career in 1942. He helped found the East Pakistan Awami Muslim League.

Joining the Government

In 1954, Ahmad was elected to the East Pakistan Provincial Assembly. He was part of the United Front. When the government dissolved this group, Ahmad was put in jail. He was released in 1955. Later, he became the chief whip for the United Front.

In 1958, he was arrested again. This happened when martial law was declared. He was also jailed in 1966 during the 6 Point Movement. After being released, he joined Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at a conference in 1969. In 1970, he was elected to the National Assembly of Pakistan.

Role in Bangladesh's Independence

When the War of Independence began, Ahmad and other leaders formed the Government of Bangladesh in exile. This government was formed to lead the fight for freedom. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was declared president. Tajuddin Ahmad became prime minister. Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad was made the foreign minister.

His job was to get international support for Bangladesh's independence. Some people felt his actions as foreign minister were controversial. They thought he wanted a peaceful solution that kept Bangladesh connected to Pakistan.

After Bangladesh became independent, Ahmad held different government roles. In 1972, he became the Minister of Power, Irrigation, and Flood Control. In 1973, he became the Minister of Commerce. He was also part of the executive committee of Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Awami League (BAKSAL). This group was formed in 1975.

Becoming President

On 15 August 1975, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most of his family died. This happened because of a group of army personnel. Ahmad immediately took control of the government. He declared himself President.

He made changes to the military leadership. Major General Ziaur Rahman became the new head of the army. Ahmad also ordered the imprisonment of several important leaders. These included Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmad, A. H. M. Qamaruzzaman, and Muhammad Mansur Ali. He changed the national slogan from Joy Bangla to Bangladesh Zindabad. He also changed the name of Bangladesh Betar to 'Radio Bangladesh'.

Ahmad also issued a special order. This order protected those involved in the events of August 15 from being charged. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's daughters, Sheikh Hasina Wazed and Sheikh Rehana, were not allowed to return to Bangladesh.

End of Presidency

On 3 November, the four imprisoned leaders (Tajuddin Ahmad, Syed Nazrul Islam, A. H. M. Qamaruzzaman, and Muhammad Mansur Ali) were killed in jail. This event is sadly remembered as "Jail Killing Day." Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad was removed from power on 6 November 1975. This happened after a military change led by Brigadier Khaled Mosharraf.

Later Life and Legacy

After losing power, Ahmad was put in prison. He stayed there until 1978. After his release, he tried to restart his political career. He formed a group called the Democratic League. However, he was not successful. He lived his last years in Dhaka and passed away on 5 March 1996.

In 1996, an investigation into Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's death began. This was started by his daughter, Sheikh Hasina, who became Prime Minister. She blamed Ahmad for her father's death. Because he had already died, he was not charged. Many historians and critics believe Ahmad played a significant role in the events surrounding Mujibur Rahman's death. He has been criticized for his actions after the events of August 1975.

See also

• BM Abbas