Belal Shafiul Huq

Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Huq was born on 1 December 1958 in Noakhali, Bangladesh.[5] He passed Secondary School Certificate (SSC) from Dinajpur Zilla School in 1972. Belal obtained his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Dhaka University and master's degree on ‘Defense Studies’ from National University Bangladesh and Masters in Philosophy from Bangladesh University of Professionals. His brother Annisul Huq was elected Mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation in April 2015.[6]

ABM Huq received formal education from Dhaka University and afterward attended Bangladesh Military Academy. After completion of training, he was commissioned in Bengal Cavalry on 18 June 1978. He was adjudged as the best all round cadet of his batch and was awarded Sword of Honor (an award given to the best meritorious cadet in Bangladeshi military forces). In a distinguished career spanning 40 years, Huq has held a variety of command, staff and instructional appointments. As a staff, he served as the 'Aide-De-camp' (ADC) to the President of Bangladesh, Brigade Major (BM) of an Infantry Brigade and Colonel Staff of an Infantry Division. He commanded two tank units, three brigades (one armored and two infantry) and two divisions (19th and 33rd). He also served as Military Secretary and Adjutant General of the army.[7]

From 1988 to 1989, Shafiul Huq served as a Military Observer with the United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group (UNIIMOG). Huq was appointed Deputy Force Commander and Chief Military Observer of UNMEE on 4 January 2007.

Huq is married to Shoma Huq. They have a son named Marzuq, and a daughter.[8] Anisul Huq, the first mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation is his brother.[9] His father Shariful Huq was the former director of Bangladesh Ansar and took retirement in 1982.

Belal retired from the army with effect from 25 June 2018.[1]