Abdur Rahman Biswas

Abdur Rahman Biswas (1 September 1926 – 3 November 2017) was a Bangladeshi politician. He was the President of Bangladesh from 1991 to 1996. Biswas represented Pakistan at the United Nations General Assembly, prior to the independence of Bangladesh. He was educated at the University of Dhaka, where he received BA with honours and an MA in history and a degree in law. His subsequent public service included chairing a local cooperative bank and sponsoring educational initiatives. He became Bangladesh's 16th president on 10 September the same year.

February 1996 election

From mid-1994, clashes between the BNP backed Jatioabadi Chhatra Dal and Awami League backed Bangladesh Chhatra League led to increasing violence in the form of bomb and arson attacks on party bureaus, newspaper offices and government buildings. As a result, Biswas dissolved the newly elected legislature and, as Khaleda Zia stepped down, former Chief Justice Habibur Rahman was appointed as chief adviser to head an interim government that was poised to preside over fresh national elections on 12 June 1996. Both officers had issued statements expressing dissatisfaction with the country's situation. The President believed that they were involved in political activities with opposition parties. Nasim refused to comply. The next day, Biswas sacked him and sent soldiers to control the state radio and television stations. On noon that day, Nasim ordered soldiers of Bogra, Jessore and Mymensingh divisions to march towards Dhaka. The Ninth Infantry Division's Major General Imamuzzaman, who commanded the division located closest to Dhaka, remained loyal to the President. He directed the removal of all boats and ferries from Jamuna River in Aricha port, so that Bogra and Jessore divisions could not cross the river.

Biswas sent a contingent of troops with tanks to blockade the Dhaka-Mymenshing highway. The 33rd Division was deployed, using an Infantry Battalion and a company of tanks from the 7th Horse Armoured Battalion at the Dhaka-Chittagong highway, to create a blockade against the 24th Infantry Division located in Chittagong. Biswas later recalled the events as his "most memorable experience." a cousin of politician Rashed Khan Menon. Together, they had five sons, Monu Biswas, Ehteshamul Haque Nasim (12 November 1960 – 12 March 1998), Shamsuddoza Kamal Biswas, Jamilur Rahman Shibli Biswas, and Muidur Rahman Romel Biswas, and two daughters Akhi Biswas and Rakhi Biswas.

Later life After the end of his presidency, Biswas retired permanently from politics. In 2006, during the unfolding crisis, Biswas's house in Barisal was set on fire by Awami League militants.

Biswas died on 3 November 2017 at United Hospital, Dhaka from respiratory problems, aged 91. He was buried in Banani Graveyard on 4 November.