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Born inSunamganj, Osmany was raised in a family that valued education and public service. His paternal grandfather, Abdus Sobhan Choudhury was a Persian scholar, a philosopher and religious prodigy. The General’s maternal grandfather Mr Akil Choudhury was also a learned benevolent Zaminder of Raykhali (Doshghar Union, Biswanath, Sylhet). Khan Bahadur Mufizur Rahman, the younger of the two sons of Abdus Sobhan Choudhury, by whose lineage Osmany was born was a graduate in Science from Patna University and worked as Sub Divisional Officer of Munshiganj and Sunamganj, District Commissioner of Assam and the first muslim Director of Land Records of Assam. As the son of such a distinguished family, Osmany began his initial education within the family’s environment under the guidance of his mother. In 1929, he was admitted to Cotton’s School of Gouhati in grade six by when he has already grasped the basic teachings of English and Farsi. Osmany completed his matriculation with first division from Sylhet Government High School with the coveted ‘Pretoria Prize’ for excellence in English. In 1938, he obtained his graduation in Arts and Master of Arts (Geography) in 1939 from Aligarh Muslim University, eventually entering the Royal Indian Military Academy in Dehradunon 15 May 1940 as the only Bengali ‘Gentleman Cadet’ of the course.
His early years in the British Indian Army taught him discipline, organizational skills, and modern military tactics. Osmany was promoted to the rank of Majors on 23 February 1942 at the age of 23 making him one of the youngest Majors of the time in British Army. He entered the battlegrounds of World War II and continued till last. After the 1947 partition, Osmany joined Pakistan Army, was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and underwent prestigious staff course at Command and Staff College at Quetta, Pakistan. He assumed the command of the 1st Battalion of East Bengal Regiment as the first Bengali Commanding Officer in 1952 and led the motivated men-at-arms till 18 February 1954.He was fortunate enough to command the prestigious East Bengal Regimental Centre, an infantry brigade, also had been the Station Commander Dhaka and Additional Commandant of East Pakistan Rifles before he was elevated to the coveted rank of Colonel on 14 May 1956. He was appointed as the Deputy Director of Military Operations Directorate where few chosen officers get the opportunity after proving their worth. He continued to serve in the same rank till he hung up his uniform on 16 February 1967 even after having all the qualities to serve the Army in higher rank with higher responsibilities. There was nothing more to prove from Osmany’s side.Thus, the systemic discrimination against Bengalis in Pakistan sowed seeds of disillusionment and ignited in him a deep desire to work for his people’s emancipation.
During the time of tensions and despair in the country, Lieutenant General Tikka Khan was appointed Martial Law Administrator at the beginning of March 1971.General Khan well knew the character and qualities of Colonel Osmany as both underwent the staff course together at the Command and Staff College, Quetta. Thereby, Commander-In-Chief of Mukti Bahini was in serial 4 during the crackdown of Operation Searchlight on 25 march night.He assumed office on 12 April 1971 with immediate ruling of uniting all varieties of liberation forces under a single command.Osmany realized that the conventional war was not an alternative, so he opted to use a decentralized guerrilla approach.He further subdivided the country into 11 sectors headed by commanders who were given authority in making independent tactical decisions within their localities.It was a new trend that allowed local resistance to be strongly present and kept the fire of the fight burning even nationwide. Mukti Bahini soldiers were trained to conduct sabotage raids, derail supply lines and ambush patrols. Osmany also considered morale of the troops since he had been visiting camps and talking to fighters, assured them that their sacrifices would grant them a free Bangladesh.It was not only military success but an overall intellectual spirit that Osmany had been cultivating and which made it possible to achieve the final victory on 16 December 1971.
With independence secured, Bangladesh faced the daunting task of transforming a guerrilla force into conventional forces. General Osmany, with his vision and experience restructured Bangladesh Army, Navy, Air Force, and Bangladesh Rifles. He envisioned an armed force grounded in patriotism, discipline, and unwavering respect for civilian authority. He emphasized rigorous training, chain-of-command, discipline, and service-first ethos that put national interests above all.Osmany believed that soldiers should not only defend territorial sovereignty but also serve as agents of development and support during national emergencies. The selfless General chose to step out of uniform for the second time on 07 April 1972, feeling that the initial regrouping had been accomplished and primary control was successfully established.
General Osmany’s commitment to Bangladesh did not stop at military affairs. He was a sensible patriot who had been aware of all political developments after his retirement. Even during his student years, he remained actively engaged in politics. While at university, he was elected “Proctorial Monitor” twiceandwas the Vice President of the Assam Bengal Students’ Union. After his retirement from Pakistan Army, he was moved by repeated appeals to join politics by close ones. He ultimately agreed for the greater call of national service- albeit on three specific conditions and contested the National Assembly Elections of 1970 resulting a victory. After he was retired from Bangladesh Army, he was appointed as the Minister in charge of Shipping, Inland Water Transport, and Aviation on 12 April 1972. He participated in General Election1973 and got elected again with a huge margin. He was again given the responsibility of the Ministry of Telephone, Communication, Shipping, Inland Water Transport, and Aviation. He was aware of the limitations prevailing, but he knew that it is only hard work and sincerity that could improve the overall situation of a devastated country. But in May 1974, as his character goes, strongly opposed the decision of fourth amendment of the constitution and resigned from both cabinet and national assembly. General Osmany was one of very few who could stand alone at that decisive moment of Bangladesh history.
On 29 August 1975, he joined as the military adviser to the President with numerous requests from military senior officials and political leaders. He assumed the new appointment with three clauses again among which one was not to take an oath, will perform his duty without taking any remuneration. Point to note, following his strong ethical value and military norm, he paid for the food and other services he had been taking from Bangabhaban while he was residing there to perform his duty.He resigned the post immediately after the killing of four national leaders inside the Dhaka Central Jail on 03 November 1975.The General later launched a political party in 1976 with which he could not do much. General Mohammad Ataul Ghani Osmany, at the age of 66, breathed his last on 16 February 1984 at Saint Bartholomew’s Hospital, London, UK. The government of UK provided a special escort to the motorcade up to the airport with military honour normally shown to a deceased Field Marshall. The body of the illustrious hero was laid to rest in the premises of the holy shrine of Hazrat Shah Jalal (R) beside his loving mother’s grave according to his last wish.
Generals fade, but legends endure. What set General Osmany apart was not just his strategic brilliance or political insight but also his personal character. Even after independence, he chose a modest lifestyle and remained deeply connected with the common people.He valued loyalty, but he never demanded blind obedience. Instead, he encouraged critical thinking and independent initiative, empowering his commanders and staff to perform at their best. He preferred to engage with soldiers, freedom fighters, villagers, and students, reinforcing the belief that the nation belonged to every citizen.His life teaches that true service lies in placing the nation above self, in leading with integrity, and in empowering others to contribute to a greater cause. The Commander-in-Chief of a liberation force used to wear the simplest “khaki” uniform on the field, slept on a camp bed, away from extravaganza and used traditional military furniture even in his house. The true leader ensured gallantry awards for all his under commands who have shown excellence in war field but did not even bother for his own decoration. This astounding illustration of self-motivation and esteem will keep him miles ahead.
On this special day, we remember General M A G Osmany not just as a military commander but as a visionary leader and a moral giant. His contributions to strategic, military, and nation-building sectors were foundational in shaping the Bangladesh we know today.His life was a continuous journey of service – from fighting on the battlefield to building a proud nation. His unwavering moral compass, humility, and love for people make him an eternal source of inspiration. As we honour his memory, we should also renew our commitment to his ideals. The nation has honoured him by naming various establishments and institutions after him namely Osmanynagar Upazilla, Osmany International Airport, Osmany Medical College& Hospital, Osmany Museum, Bangabir Osmany Shishu Uddyan, Osmany Memorial Auditorium, Osmany Hall at BUTEX, MIST and at School of Infantry and Tactics, Jalalabad Cantonment. There is a school named after him at London Borough of Tower Hamlet, UK as well. But we, the generation who could not be there on 16 December1971, feel a deep regret at the absence of the man with the grand moustache in the surrender images. As we look toward the future, may his unwavering commitment to national unity, military wit, democratic values, and moral leadership inspire us all to work for a brighter and stronger Bangladesh.Long live the ideals of General Osmany – a leader, a soldier, a statesman, and above all, a true son of Bangladesh. His voice may be silent, but his orders still echo- in our soil, our skies, and our freedom.
The writer is a military officer