Former chief of army staff and prominent sector commander of the liberation war, retired Major General KM Safiullah, passed away this morning at the age of 90.
He breathed his last while undergoing treatment at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in the capital.
Safiullah had been ill for a long time. He suffered from multiple health complications, including diabetes, hypertension, thyroid issues, fatty liver, and dementia. For years, he required a stretcher to move around.
In 1971, Safiullah was the second-in-command of the Second East Bengal Regiment stationed in Joydebpur.
Under his leadership, the Bengali soldiers of the regiment rebelled. At the beginning of the Liberation War, he served as the Commander of Sector 3.
Later, when three regular army brigades (known as forces) were formed, Safiullah took command of the 'S' Force.
For his significant contributions to the Liberation War, he was awarded the title of Bir Uttam.
Born on September 2, 1934, in Rupganj, Narayanganj, KM Safiullah served as the Chief of Army Staff from 1972 to 1975 after the country's independence. 
He later represented Bangladesh as an ambassador to various countries, including Malaysia, Canada, Sweden, and England.
Upon returning to the country in 1991, he was kept as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) for a year. The following year, he voluntarily retired from service.