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Major Abdul Waheed Chowdhury: A Founding Pioneer of the East Bengal Regiment, Pakistan Army
Brothers and fellow history enthusiasts, the early annals of the Pakistan Army are filled with stories of dedicated officers who built our military institutions from the ground up.
Today, we remember Major Abdul Waheed Chowdhury, a principled and visionary officer who played a foundational role in raising the East Bengal Regiment (Senior Tigers), ensuring a strong professional footprint for East Pakistan within the national army.
*Early Life and Academic Excellence
Born on February 1, 1914, in Dariyapur, Habiganj, Abdul Waheed Chowdhury belonged to a highly respected family. His father, Khan Sahib Abdur Rob Chowdhury, was a key figure in the early administration of the University of Dhaka. A brilliant student and a natural athlete, Abdul Waheed earned his M.A. in Economics in 1937. He was a protégé of the legendary scholar Dr. Muhammad Shahidullah and a peer of the most intellectual minds of his era.
*Military Commission and World War II
Service Driven by a call to duty, he joined the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun. On May 15, 1941, he received an Emergency War Commission as a Second Lieutenant. His wartime service was marked by professional grit:
* Middle East: Served as a Captain in the 4th Madras Regiment in Basra, Iraq, under the British Tenth Army.
* Burma Campaign: Served at the Ceylon Sub-Area Headquarters.
* The "First of the First": Following the war, he served with the prestigious 1st Punjab Regiment as Brigade Staff Captain (DAA & QMG) at Zhob Brigade HQ in Multan under Brigadier Mohammad Kiana.
A Pillar in the Creation of Pakistan’s Military Assets During the 1947 Partition, Major Chowdhury was a crucial member of the "Pakistan Cell" at the Supreme Army Headquarters in Delhi. Working within the Infantry Directorate, he worked tirelessly to ensure that Pakistan received its fair share of military assets and personnel. He was a strong advocate for the integration of Bengali soldiers into a formal infantry structure, a vision that aligned with the strategic needs of the new state.
*Raising the "Senior Tigers"
The 1st East Bengal Regiment was officially raised on February 15, 1948, at Kurmitola, Dhaka. While Lt. Col. V.J.E. Patterson was the first CO, Major A.W. Chowdhury was appointed as the Officer Commanding (OC) of the Training Company.
As the primary training officer, Major Chowdhury faced the monumental task of organizing and disciplining the initial recruits (many coming from the Pioneer Corps) into a modern infantry unit. Despite a severe lack of equipment and infrastructure in the newly formed country, his rigorous standards and leadership laid the professional DNA of the "Senior Tigers." He is rightfully remembered as one of the regiment's "Patriarchal Commanders."
A Legacy of Integrity and Civil Service Major Chowdhury was known throughout his career for his absolute honesty and outspoken nature. In 1952, his services were transferred to the East Pakistan Police, where he served as a Superintendent of Police (SP) in major districts like Dhaka, Cumilla, and Chattogram. Even in his civil career, he remained a builder—helping establish Chuadanga College and earning a reputation as a fair and fearless administrator.
*Final Salute
Major Abdul Waheed Chowdhury passed away on February 18, 1965, in Dhaka at the age of 51. He was laid to rest at the Mariam Saleha Mosque premises in Nilkhet.
Major Chowdhury’s life is a testament to the professional spirit of the early Pakistan Army officers. He did not just lead men; he built an institution that became a symbol of pride for the region and the nation.
Salute to this pioneer officer!
