Remembering Ziaur Rehman: A Chess Legend and Family Man

Bangladeshi chess player Ziaur Rehman, a beloved figure in the chess community, passed away at the age of 50 after suffering a stroke during a tournament. Known for his imaginative and risk-taking style of play, Ziaur was a 15-time national champion and the country’s highest-rated player at one point.

Ziaur’s impact on the Bangladesh chess scene was immense, both as a player and a coach. His peers remember him as a kind-hearted and introverted individual who always played for the win, never settling for draws against higher-rated opponents.

What set Ziaur apart was his willingness to involve his family in his passion for chess. At the 2022 Chess Olympiad, he and his son Tahsin Tajwar Zia made history by becoming the first father-son duo to compete on the same team. Ziaur’s dedication to the game was evident in his final moments, as he was unbeaten in a tournament and close to a winning position when tragedy struck.

The chess community is mourning the loss of a true talent and a genuine soul. Ziaur’s legacy will live on through the impact he had on the game and the memories he created with his family by his side.