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, where he competed in numerous tournaments over the past three decades.

The heartbreaking incident occurred during Rahman’s 12th-round game against Enamul Hossain Rajib, when he suddenly collapsed to the ground. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Rahman was declared dead at 7 pm local time. His son, Tahsin Tajwar Zia, who was also participating in the tournament, was present at the venue when the tragedy unfolded.

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

With a peak rating of 2570, Rahman held the record for the highest rating achieved by a Bangladeshi chess player. He also made headlines in 2008 when he held the legendary Magnus Carlsen to a draw.

The news of Rahman’s passing has sent shockwaves through the chess community, with players and officials offering their heartfelt condolences. All-India Chess Federation President Nitin Narang and Grandmaster Srinath Narayanan both expressed their sorrow at the loss of a talented player and a beloved personality.

Rahman’s sudden death serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the impact he had on the chess world. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players in Bangladesh and beyond.