A. W. Chowdhury
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Abdul Wahed Chowdhury is a one-star retired officer of the Bangladesh Navy and a veteran of the Bangladesh Liberation War, notable for leading Operation Jackpot.[1][2][3] He was awarded Bir Uttam, the highest living military award in Bangladesh, for his contributions during the war.[1]
Pakistan (before 1971)
Bangladesh
Pakistan Navy
Bangladesh NavyAbdul Wahed Chowdhury | |
|---|---|
| Born | 16 October 1940 |
| Allegiance | Pakistan (before 1971) Bangladesh |
| Branch | Pakistan Navy Bangladesh Navy |
| Service years | 1962 - 1997 |
| Rank |  Commodore |
| Commands |
|
| Conflicts | |
| Awards |  Bir Uttom |
Career
At the outbreak of war, Chowdhury was one of eight Bengali officers of the Pakistan Navy training in Paris.[4] He was serving in PNS Mangro.[5][6] They had decided to defect after being inspired by the 7th March speech of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and hearing about the start of Operation Searchlight.[5] They went to India and trained under the Indian Navy in the Jamuna River near New Delhi.[4] More defectors from the Pakistan Navy and 150 student volunteers joined them.[4] After training, they were divided into groups and sent to Chittagong, Daudkandi, Narayanganj, and Mongla.[4] Chowdhury was sent to lead the Chittagong Group with 60 members.[4][7] He Operation Jackpot.[1] His group destroyed seven ships during the war, including MV Al-Abbas and MV Ohrmazd, cargo ships of the Pakistan military.[4] Later, the sector was commanded by Commander MN Sumanta of the Indian Navy.[4] He served with Faruk E Azam.[8]
Chowdhury represented Bangladesh in the 1995 South East Asia Symposium.[1] He retired from Bangladesh Navy in January 1997.[1] He expressed support for the Awami League ahead of the 2018 general election.[9]
In January 2025, Chowdhury delivered a lecture at the National Defence College.[10]
Bir Uttam A. W. Chowdhury Road was named after Chowhdury.[11]