Col Quazi Sajjad Ali Zahir: From Pakistani Army Officer to Bangladesh Liberation War Hero

Col Zahir, a 1971 war hero and Pakistan Army defector, honored with Padma Shri for training Mukti Bahini and preserving India-Bangladesh legacy.

New Delhi/Dhaka – "I crossed the border with just ₹20 in my pocket, the clothes I was wearing, and whatever intelligence I could gather on Pakistan's war plans," recalls Colonel Quazi Sajjad Ali Zahir (Retd) — a decorated veteran of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War and now a recipient of the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award.

At 70, Col Zahir stands not only as a symbol of courage and conviction but also as a bridge between India and Bangladesh’s shared history of struggle and freedom.

Honored with the Padma Shri: A Tribute to the Spirit of Liberation

In 2021, the Government of India honored Col Zahir with the Padma Shri Award, recognizing his exceptional contribution in upholding the spirit of the Bangladesh Liberation War.

“Every award is a milestone, but the Padma Shri is special. It acknowledges the journey we made towards freedom,”
— Col Zahir speaking to ThePrint from Dhaka

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From Pakistani Officer to Freedom Fighter: A Dramatic Defection

Commissioned into the Artillery Corps of the Pakistan Army in late 1969, Col Zahir initially served in the elite 14 Para Brigade. But upon learning of the brutal atrocities committed by the Pakistan Army in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), he made a life-changing decision — he defected.

“The horrors unfolding in East Pakistan left me no choice. I deserted my post and crossed into India via the Samba border in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

With nothing but ₹20 and the clothes on his back, Col Zahir reached out to the Indian Army, bringing with him critical information about Pakistan’s military strategies.

His defection led to a death sentence issued by the Pakistan Army — a punishment he still carries in absentia.

“It’s an honor that I’m on Pakistan’s most-wanted list,” he said with quiet pride.
“My family paid the price—our house in Dhaka was burned, and my mother and sister were forced to flee for their lives.”

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Role in the 1971 Liberation War: Training Mukti Bahini and Organizing Artillery Support

Once in India, Col Zahir became instrumental in training the Mukti Bahini, the Bangladeshi resistance force comprising military personnel, paramilitary groups, and civilians.

He co-founded the 2nd Artillery Force in the Sylhet region, assembling a field artillery battery using six 105 mm howitzers provided by India.

Starting in October 1971, this artillery unit provided critical fire support to the Z Force, helping liberate key regions from Pakistani control.

“I think I fought well,” Col Zahir says, reflecting on his role in the decisive 13-day war that led to Bangladesh’s independence.

Preserving History: 54 Books and Ongoing Recognition Efforts

Beyond the battlefield, Col Zahir has dedicated his life to documenting the stories of 1971 — the unsung heroes, shared sacrifices, and the solidarity between Indian and Bangladeshi forces.

• Authored 54 books on the Liberation War
• Co-authored two books with Indian Army veterans
• Currently compiling a third book: "The War We Fought Together"
• Published works through CLAWS (Centre for Land Warfare Studies), the Indian Army’s think tank
• He was also awarded Bangladesh’s highest civilian honor, the Swadhinata Padak (Independence Award), in 2013.

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Honoring Indian Martyrs: A Cross-Border Mission of Gratitude

Today, Col Zahir leads a Bangladesh government initiative aimed at recognizing and honoring the families of Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in 1971.

“India gave us not just military support, but brothers in arms. It’s our duty to remember those who made the supreme sacrifice for our freedom.”

Legacy of a Patriot: Bridging Nations Through Shared Sacrifice

Colonel Quazi Sajjad Ali Zahir stands as a living testament to the enduring ties between India and Bangladesh. His story — one of courage, defection, resistance, and remembrance — continues to inspire generations on both sides of the border.

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✅ Key Takeaways :

• Col Quazi Sajjad Ali Zahir was a Pakistani Army officer who defected during the 1971 war.
• Played a critical role in training the Mukti Bahini and organizing artillery support in Sylhet.
• Awarded the Padma Shri (India) and Swadhinata Padak (Bangladesh) for his service.
• Has authored 54 books documenting India-Bangladesh collaboration during the war.
• Now leads efforts to honor Indian soldiers who died in the 1971 Liberation War.