Bangladesh Grandmaster Ziaur Rahman Passes Away During National Chess Championship

The chess world is mourning the loss of seasoned Bangladesh Grandmaster Ziaur Rahman, who tragically passed away at the age of 50 after suffering a heart attack while playing in the national chess championship in Dhaka. Rahman, a 15-time Bangladesh Chess Champion, was a familiar face in India, having participated in numerous tournaments across the country over the last three decades.

The heartbreaking incident occurred during Rahman’s 12th-round game against Enamul Hossain Rajib in the national championship. He collapsed during the game and was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 7 pm local time. Rahman’s son, Tahsin Tajwar Zia, who was also competing in the tournament, was present at the venue when the tragedy struck.

Rahman was a highly accomplished player, earning his International Master title in 1993 and his Grandmaster title in 2002. He represented Bangladesh in the Chess Olympiad 17 times and made history in 2022 when he and his son became the first father-son duo to be on a national chess team.

The news of Rahman’s passing has sent shockwaves through the chess community, with players and officials expressing their condolences. All-India Chess Federation President Nitin Narang and Grandmaster Srinath Narayanan both paid tribute to Rahman, highlighting his contributions to the game and his warm personality.

Rahman’s legacy as Bangladesh’s most decorated chess player and his remarkable achievements on the board will be remembered by players and fans around the world. His untimely death serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the impact one can have in the world of chess.