In the golden decades of the seventies and eighties, Niaz Morshed reigned supreme in the realm of chess. The year 1988 witnessed a prodigious feat as a mere 14-year-old, Ziaur Rahman, seized the national chess championship, leaving spectators in awe. Previously, it was Niaz Morshed who, at the tender age of 13 in 1979, had etched his name as the youngest national champion.
In the nineties Ziaur Rahman emerged as the second Grandmaster of Bangladesh, following in the footsteps of Niaz Morshed. By 2002, Rahman had not only clinched the coveted GM title but had also triumphed in the national chess championship six times. Unlike many who find the journey to Grandmaster status arduous, Rahman thrived, becoming the most decorated champion with 14 titles in 47 national chess tournaments.
On the day of his untimely departure, Rahman was ranked second. The chess world mourned as Grandmaster Ziaur Rahman departed from this life, engaged in the very game that defined him.
Often, the title of National Champion falls short of encapsulating the full magnitude of Rahman's prowess in chess. His contemporaries, Niaz, Rifat, and Rakib, did not pursue chess as a full-time vocation. For Rahman, however, chess was akin to meditation; it was his craft, his passion, his very existence.
His legacy is carried on by his son, Tahsin Tajwar Zia, who not only followed in his father's footsteps but also had the honor of playing in the Olympiad alongside him.
The Rahman family's dedication to chess is unparalleled in Bangladesh. Zia's wife, Tasmin Sultana, made the extraordinary decision not to join the BCS cadre, fearing it might disrupt her husband's chess career—a testament to their commitment to the sport.
Despite coaching being his profession, Rahman's true love remained the game itself. Age was but a number to him; he dominated the chessboard with youthful vigor. His consistency and success in both national and international tournaments set him apart in a country where many athletes struggle to maintain such high standards.
Rahman's jovial nature was well-known within the chess federation, often humorously remarking on his ever-growing collection of trophies. He is celebrated as perhaps the only Bangladeshi athlete to have represented his country in the most number of nations worldwide.
A regular contender in the Olympiad, the most prestigious chess tournament, Rahman was Bangladesh's beacon of hope. His academic achievements, including a degree in Anthropology from Dhaka University and the esteemed Blue Badge for his contributions to sports, further illustrate his multifaceted persona. Grandmaster Ziaur Rahman's accolades, records, and recognitions place him among the greats. Yet, it is his humility and grace that elevate him even higher. His departure from this world was as serene as his demeanor—a true gentleman of chess, Bangladesh's first Grandmaster, and a record-holder who will be remembered for generations to come.
