Bangladesh Mourns the Loss of Grandmaster Ziaur Rahman

Bangladesh’s chess community is mourning the loss of Ziaur Rahman, the country’s highest-ranked grandmaster, who passed away at the age of 50 after suffering a heart attack during a national championship game. The tragic incident occurred during the 12th round of the tournament, where Zia was competing against fellow grandmaster Enamul Hossain Rajib.

Despite his sudden collapse, Zia’s fellow players initially thought he was simply reaching for a water bottle before realizing the severity of the situation. He was quickly rushed to Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Zia, who became a grandmaster in 2002, was a trailblazer in Bangladeshi chess, holding the highest-ever FIDE rating points for a Bangladeshi player and achieving numerous milestones throughout his career. He was also known for his solid positional playing style and represented Bangladesh on the international stage alongside his son, Tahsin Tajwar Zia.

The news of Zia’s passing has sent shockwaves through the chess community, with tributes pouring in from various sports organizations and officials. His legacy as a pioneering figure in Bangladeshi chess will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.