Tajuddin Ahmad

Tajuddin Ahmad (23 July 1925 – 3 November 1975) was a Bangladeshi politician who served as the first Prime Minister of Bangladesh during the Liberation War of 1971. He was a key aide of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and played a crucial role in organizing the government-in-exile and the Bangladesh Forces (Mukti Bahini). Born in Dhanmondi, Dhaka, Tajuddin studied law at the University of Dhaka and became active in Bengali politics. He was a close confidant of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and served as the general secretary of the Awami League. When Sheikh Mujib declared independence on March 26, 1971, he was immediately arrested by the Pakistani military. Tajuddin, who narrowly escaped arrest, took charge of organizing the provisional government. He became the Prime Minister of the Mujibnagar government-in-exile and coordinated the diplomatic and military aspects of the liberation war. Tajuddin played a vital role in establishing Bangladesh's government abroad, securing international recognition, and coordinating the Mukti Bahini forces. After independence, he served as the first Prime Minister but was gradually sidelined by Sheikh Mujib's growing authoritarian tendencies. He was assassinated on November 3, 1975, in Dhaka.