Abu Taher

Quick Facts: Who was Abu Taher?

Subject:

Abu Taher

Known for:

Bangladeshi military officer, insurgent, and political activist known for his role in the 1975 coups.

Born:

1938-11-14

Died:

1976-07-21

Century / Era:

1938s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Mohammad Abu Taher (Bengali: মোহাম্মদ আবু তাহের ; 14 November 1938 – 21 July 1976) was a Bangladeshi military officer. He first served in the Pakistan Army before defecting to the Bangladesh Army during the Bangladesh Liberation War. He later crossed into India and reported to the Indian authorities. After a week of screening at Dehradun, he was sent to Kolkata, West Bengal. He was ordered to report to Sector 11 of Mukti Bahini under the command of Major Ziaur Rahman.

Career & Major Achievements

He became the sector commander after Major Ziaur Rahman and served in the Bangladesh Defence Forces (BDF) for about two months, until November 1971. He was awarded the Bir Uttom Medal for gallantry in the War of Liberation. He was released from military service by an Indian military medical board in Pune, India, after his leg was amputated. After independence, he was inducted into the Bangladesh Army for administrative retirement with the legacy rank of lieutenant colonel. After settling in with his family, the government of Bangladesh appointed him to Comilla.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Later, Taher became a political activist and leader of the left-wing Jatiyo Samajtantrik Dal. He was responsible for the 7 November coup which was the third coup in 1975 in Bangladesh. After freeing Ziaur Rahman and reinstating him as army chief, many personnel, including Taher, were executed after being found guilty of high treason and murder. However, in 2011, his trial was declared illegal by the High Court of Bangladesh. Abu Taher was born in Badarpur, Assam Province of British India on 14 November 1938.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1938 (1938-11-14): Birth of Abu Taher — Bangladeshi military officer, insurgent, and political activist known for his role in the 1975 coups.
2. 1971: 1971 Milestone — He became the sector commander after Major Ziaur Rahman and served in the Bangladesh Defence Forces (BDF) for about two months, until November 1971.
3. 1975: 1975 Milestone — He was responsible for the 7 November coup which was the third coup in 1975 in Bangladesh.
4. 1976 (1976-07-21): Passing & Historical Legacy — Abu Taher passed away on 1976-07-21, leaving an enduring historical legacy.
5. 2011: 2011 Milestone — However, in 2011, his trial was declared illegal by the High Court of Bangladesh.

Notable Quotes by Abu Taher

“They've made a big mistake. They shouldn't have allowed Sheikh Mujib's burial. Now a shrine will be built there. His body should have been thrown into the Bay of Bengal.” (1975)

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Abu Taher

True or False: “Abu Taher was immediately reinstated to active duty in the Bangladesh Army after his leg amputation.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): After his leg was amputated, he was initially released from military service by an Indian medical board and later inducted for administrative retirement.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud — Contemporary (Born in 1938) (1938): Somaliland politician, served as President from 2010 to 2017.
• Ahn Chang Ho — Contemporary (Died in 1938) (1938): Pioneering Korean independence activist and leader of the Korean-American community.
• Alan Bond — Contemporary (Born in 1938) (1938): Australian businessman known for high-profile dealings, the America's Cup, and founding Bond University.
• A Day at the Races (album) — Contemporary (Born in 1976) (1976): Queen's fifth studio album, a companion piece to A Night at the Opera.
• Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani — Contemporary (Died in 1976) (1976): Bangladeshi statesman and founder of the Awami League, known for advocating for the poor.
• Abiy Ahmed — Contemporary (Born in 1976) (1976): Ethiopian Prime Minister known for sweeping reforms and Nobel Peace Prize.
• A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada — Shared historical date (11-14 · Died) (1977): Pioneering global spread of Krishna consciousness teachings and the Hare Krishna mantra.
• Aaron Copland — Shared historical date (11-14 · Born) (1900): Pioneering American composer, conductor, and critic, known as the "Dean of American Music".
• A. D. Hope — Shared historical date (07-21 · Born) (1907): Australian poet and essayist celebrated for his satirical wit and academic career.
• Abrar-ul-Haq — Shared historical date (07-21 · Born) (1968): Esteemed Pakistani singer, philanthropist, and former politician from Punjab.
• 1938 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1938
• November 14 (11-14) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on November 14
• 1976 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1976
• July 21 (07-21) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on July 21

Frequently Asked Questions about Abu Taher