Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un
إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ
Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we shall return.
With profound sadness, the BD Mariners community mourns the passing of Captain Qazi Abul Bashar Muhammad Rahman (Captain QABM Rahman), a legendary figure in Bangladesh’s maritime history, a valiant freedom fighter, and a recipient of the Ekushey Padak 2022.
Captain Rahman passed away while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital, Dhaka, on 1 November 2026. His passing marks the loss of one of the great pioneers who helped shape the maritime institutions of independent Bangladesh.
Captain Rahman began his maritime journey following pre-sea training at HMS Conway. He subsequently served at sea with British-India Steam Navigation Company and later sailed as Master with Muhammadi Steamship Company. His distinguished career later extended into senior maritime administration and leadership.
Following the independence of Bangladesh, Captain Rahman played an instrumental role in building the country’s maritime institutions and establishing the foundations of its national shipping sector. He served as the first Chairman and Managing Director of Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) and held a number of other important leadership positions within Bangladesh’s maritime administration, including roles associated with BIWTA, BIWTC and the Department of Shipping.
His professional contribution also extended beyond Bangladesh. He later served internationally as a maritime adviser associated with IMCO, now the International Maritime Organization (IMO), including assignments in Bangkok and Tehran.
Captain Rahman’s vision, leadership and pioneering work helped shape the early development of Bangladesh’s maritime administration and merchant shipping sector. His contribution to the Liberation War and the nation was recognised with the Ekushey Padak in 2022. He was also honoured with the Maritime Excellence Award by the Bangladesh Merchant Marine Officers’ Association (BMMOA) in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the country’s maritime sector.
For generations of Bangladeshi mariners, Captain QABM Rahman was much more than a senior maritime professional. He represented a generation that witnessed the birth of Bangladesh and devoted its knowledge, experience and leadership to building the maritime foundations of the newly independent nation.
His passing is an immense loss to Bangladesh’s maritime fraternity. His remarkable life, pioneering vision and dedicated service will remain an enduring part of our maritime history and continue to inspire present and future generations of Bangladeshi seafarers and maritime professionals.
The BD Mariners community extends its deepest condolences to his bereaved family, relatives, colleagues and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.
May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his lifelong service and good deeds, and grant him the highest place in Jannatul Ferdous.
May Allah grant patience and strength to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. – Ameen.
Your legacy will live on in Bangladesh’s maritime history.
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