Abu Osman Chowdhury, commander of Sector-8 during the Liberation War, died in hospital care after being diagnosed with the novel coronavirus infection, report agencies.
The 84-year-old passed away during treatment in Dhaka's Combined Military Hospital early Saturday, said Haroon Habib, secretary-general of the Sector Commanders Forum.
He had been battling against old-age complications for a while, according to Haroon.
"Abu Osman Chowdhury contracted the coronavirus infection. Doctors also found a tumour in his brain during treatment."
President M Abdul Hamid expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of retired Lieutenant Colonel Abu Osman Chowdhury.
In a message of condolence, the President said the nation with profound respect would recall the contribution of Abu Osman Chowdhury to the 1971 Liberation War forever.
The head of the state prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also expressed deep shock and grief over his passing.
In a condolence message, Hasina said, "The heroic contribution of Abu Osman Chowdhury to the Liberation War will forever be remembered.
"His impeccable role in the implementation of the ideals and spirit of the war and towards the welfare of the nation and its people will continue to inspire us."
Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque also paid tribute to Abu Osman, describing his death as an 'irreparable loss to the nation'.
"He wasn't just a brave freedom fighter as he worked throughout his life to implement the spirit of the Liberation War and demand justice for war criminals. His name will be remembered in the history of the rise of Bangladesh."
Other political leaders of Bangladesh also expressed profound shock and sorrow.
Besides, in separate condolence messages, Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Deputy Speaker Advocate Md Fazle Rabbi Miah, Deputy Leader of the Parliament Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury, Agriculture Minister Dr Muhammad Abdur Razzaque, Posts and Telecommunications Minister Mustafa Jabbar, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin, Land Minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, Textiles and Jute Minister Golam Dastagir Gazi, Social Welfare Minister Nuruzzaman Ahmed, State Minister for Industries Kamal Ahmed Mojumder, State Minister for Labour and Employment Begum Monnujan Sufian, State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, State Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain, State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid, State Minister for Social Welfare Ashraf Ali Khan Khasru, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Md Mahbub Ali, State Minister for Water Resources Zaheed Farooque, Deputy Minister for Water Resources AKM Enamul Hoque Shameem and Awami League Advisory Council Member and 14-party alliance spokesperson Amir Hossain Amu mourned the death.