Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam, ( Ji-yaur Rôhman) (19 January 1936 – 30 May 1981), a career military officer He formed and was commander of the Central Sector, BDF Sector 11, during the nations war of independence in 1971. Later turned politician, he formed one of the largest political parties, the BNP, and became the seventh President of Bangladesh in 1977. During the independence war in 1971, he was first sector commander of BDF Sector 1, before being posted to Teldhala. Later in August, he organised a separate unit, Z Force, after his first initial, and commanded it along with Sector 11 until October 10, 1971. A highly decorated and accomplished military officer, he was awarded Bir Uttom, the highest gallantry award for a living officer for his wartime services, and retired from the Bangladesh