Mohiuddin Ahmed
Freedom Fighter • Diplomat
While a second secretary at the High Commission of Pakistan, Mohiuddin Ahmed was the first Bangladeshi diplomat in Europe to join the Liberation War. During a long, illustrious career he served in different positions at Bangladesh Missions in Delhi, Geneva, Jakarta, Jeddah, and New York, and as a Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Principal, Foreign Service Academy. In 1997, he declined two years’ ante-dated seniority given to freedom fighter officers. The former diplomat has written about 1500 columns in mainstream dailies and weeklies.
Source: The Daily Star,
“A Candid Diplomat”
— .
Trafalgar Square, London (2 August 1971)
Mohiuddin Ahmed, then a Second Secretary at the Pakistan High Commission in London,
renounced his position publicly at Trafalgar Square before a crowd of 10,000 Bengalis.
Declaring his allegiance to Bangladesh, he became one of the earliest diplomats to defect
and support the Liberation War.
Early Years of Statecraft
From the formative days of the republic, he served with discretion and resolve — a through-line colleagues would note throughout his career.
Public Conversation
Measured, candid, and deeply principled — the same voice that shaped policy also engaged the public with clarity.
Diplomatic Engagements
Representative moments from a career spent building bridges and advancing Bangladesh’s interests with quiet conviction.
Civic Dialogue
Respect across sectors — diplomacy, civil society, and public health leadership — was earned through decades of consistent values.
Career Milestones
In Memoriam
“Mohiuddin was a pro-people bureaucrat and a patriot to the boot. He never compromised on matters of principle. My relationship with him was steady and friendly all through. May Allah accept his honesty and sincere services to the people and country and reward him in his eternal life.”
Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury is a retired Bangladeshi career bureaucrat and former adviser, with the rank of minister, of the Latifur Rahman caretaker government. He is incumbent chairman of Bangladesh Biman, the national airlines of Bangladesh.
“My Father believed diplomacy wasn’t just about statecraft, but about building human connections that endure beyond political shifts.”
– Laura Mohiuddin, daughter
“He navigated complex international relations with grace, always prioritizing Bangladesh’s sovereignty and development needs.”
– Fellow diplomat
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mohiuddin Ahmed?
Mohiuddin Ahmed (1942-2022) was a Bangladeshi diplomat and freedom fighter. He was the first Bangladeshi diplomat in Europe to defect from the Pakistan High Commission and join the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971.
What is Mohiuddin Ahmed known for?
He is best known for his historic defection at Trafalgar Square, London on August 2, 1971, where he publicly renounced his position as Second Secretary at the Pakistan High Commission before a crowd of 10,000 Bengalis, declaring allegiance to Bangladesh.
Which Mohiuddin Ahmed is this page about?
This page specifically refers to Mohiuddin Ahmed (Freedom Fighter Diplomat) – not other public figures with similar names. He served as Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh and held diplomatic posts in Delhi, Geneva, Jakarta, Jeddah, and New York.
What was Mohiuddin Ahmed’s role in the Bangladesh Liberation War?
As a diplomat stationed in London, he was among the first to defect and join the Bangladesh government-in-exile, providing crucial diplomatic support and recognition for the liberation movement internationally.
When did Mohiuddin Ahmed pass away?
Mohiuddin Ahmed passed away on June 20, 2022, at the age of 80.
Is this Mohiuddin Ahmed related to Laura Mohiuddin?
Yes, Mohiuddin Ahmed is the father of Laura Mohiuddin, who maintains this tribute page with family-archived photos and verified information.