Hafiz Uddin Ahmad

Early life and education Ahmad was born on 29 October 1944 in Lalmohan on Bhola Island, which was then a part of the Backergunge District of Bengal. He belongs to a Bengali family of Muslim Patwaries originally from the village of Char Kakra in North Niamatpur, Daulatkhan, Bhola Island. His father, Azahar Uddin Ahmed, was a member of the National Council of East Pakistan representing Bhola. In 1968, Ahmad received his Master of Arts degree in political science from the University of Dacca. He later played for Fire Service, Wari Club and Dhaka Wanderers.

Sprinting He was the fastest man in East Pakistan in the three seasons of 1964, 1965 and 1966. He won gold medals in the 100 and 200 meters in record timings.

Military career

Pakistan Army While playing for the Pakistan and Mohammedan football teams, In 1967, Ahmad was inspired to join the Pakistan Army by the General Secretary of the Pakistan Football Federation, Major Malik Muhammad Husain. Ahmed applied to join the army's Education Corps but later shifted to infantry and was commissioned in 1968 in the 1st East Bengal Regiment (the Senior Tigers). He was injured during the Battle of Kamalpur, one of the most significant battles fought by Bangladesh forces in 1971. After the reshuffling of the cabinet, he was also appointed as the commerce minister.

A three judicial committee investigating the 2001 Bangladesh post-election violence alleged Ahmad had directed attacks against religious minorities along with other Bangladesh Nationalist Party politicians.

Ahmad was detained while protesting the government's decision to repeal the caretaker government system on 11 June 2011. Again on 28 December 2013, Ahmed was arrested on the National Press Club premises, when he was leaving there after announcing a new program of demonstrations to be led by his party. On 16 August 2024, he was made national standing committee member of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). He left the position after being elected as the Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad.

Acting President of Bangladesh Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmed began his duties at Bangabhaban. On 24 July 2026, president Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned citing ill health. As per the constitution of Bangladesh, the speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad, will perform the duties of the president until a new one is elected. As result, Ahmad became acting president. Citing the resignation, Ahmad remarked “Although he (Shahabuddin) was elected during the tenure of the Hasina government, he has always expressed support and respect for the new government elected by the votes of the people. I wish him well."

Personal life Hafiz was married to Educator Prof. Dilara Hafiz. They have two sons, Shahrukh Hafiz and Taharat Hafiz, and a daughter, Shamama Shahreen. Dilara Hafiz died on 28 March 2026.