Chess Community Mourns the Passing of Fifteen-Time Bangladesh Chess Champion GM Ziaur Rahman

The chess world is mourning the loss of GM Ziaur Rahman, a fifteen-time Bangladesh Chess Champion, who tragically passed away today after suffering a stroke during his 12th-round game at the national chess championship in Dhaka. Rahman, 50, had a close-to-winning position against GM Enamul Hossain when he collapsed on move 25, leading to his untimely death.

Rahman, Bangladesh’s most decorated chess player, earned his GM title in 2002 and competed for his country 17 times in the Chess Olympiad. He was known for his peak rating of 2570 and his victories in numerous open tournaments in Asia. The president of Bangladesh expressed deep sorrow over Rahman’s passing, highlighting his significant contribution to the development of chess in the nation.

The chess community is also mourning Rahman’s loss, with players and officials expressing their shock and sadness. Indian GM Surya Shekar Ganguly described Rahman as “an amazing human being” and shared fond memories of their interactions. FIDE CEO GM Emil Sutovsky also paid tribute to Rahman, remembering him as a popular and talented player who will be greatly missed.

Rahman leaves behind his wife and son, FM Tahsin Tajwar Zia, who was also competing in the national championship. The father-son duo made history in 2022 by becoming the first-ever pair to compete on the same team in a Chess Olympiad. The sudden and unexpected loss of GM Ziaur Rahman has left a void in the chess world, with his legacy as a player and a person remembered fondly by all who knew him.