An invitation to Grandmasters for the GM Zia Memorial 2025
Ziaur Rahman was the heart of Bangladeshi Chess. He became the country's second Grandmaster in 2002 and has inspired others, not only in Bangladesh but across the globe, with his journey. He passed away on 5th July 2024, but he left behind a legacy that still lives on in the memories he created and the games he played. To carry that legacy forward, the GM Zia Memorial 2025 will be held from 4th to 12th July in Dhaka. It will be a 9-round classical tournament. The organizers are specifically inviting Grandmasters to join this tribute with special conditions. Read the article to know more. Photo: Bangladesh Chess Federation
When name becomes legacy!
Some names don’t just represent a player, but they represent an era and a standard. Every country has one such chess player who becomes the face of the game for a generation. This is not just because of the medals they win or the titles they earn, but because of the way they carry themselves. Such legends inspire others. They shape the chess culture around them. For Bangladesh, that name was Ziaur Rahman.
Ziaur Rahman was Bangladesh’s second Grandmaster. He earned the International Master title in 1993 and became a Grandmaster in October 2002. Three years later, he reached a peak FIDE rating of 2570. This was the highest ever rating by any Bangladeshi player! He won the Bangladesh National Chess Championship… 15 times! He also represented Bangladesh in the Chess Olympiad… 15 times! This speaks a lot about Ziaur’s dominance and consistency. He also played in the FIDE World Cups several times. But perhaps the most special one was the one that happened in Chennai in 2022, where he played alongside his son!
On 5th July 2024, the chess world was shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of Ziaur Rahman at the age of 50. It was not just a loss for Bangladesh but for the global chess community.
To honour his legacy, the Bangladesh Chess Federation will organize the GM Zia Memorial 2025 from 4th July to 12th July. This classical tournament will take place in Dhaka. This will be an effort to remember more than to compete, an opportunity to celebrate the life of a man who was truly a gem. A player of great strength and a person of even greater character!
Tournament details
The first day (4th July) will mark the arrival of players, and the tournament will officially begin on 5th July with the opening ceremony, followed by Round 1. Check out the schedule as follows:
The total prize fund for the tournament is 5,00,000 Taka (around Rs. 3,48,000 or $4000). The Champion will take home 1,50,000 Taka (around Rs. 1,04,000 or $1200). There will be prizes for the top 8 finishers of the tournament, along with separate prizes for the best local, female, and junior players. Here is how the prizes are distributed:
The organizers are specifically inviting Grandmasters to participate in the event. All participating GMs will be provided with free accommodation at a 4-star hotel, in a shared double room. The tournament organizers will also take care of all meals and local transportation throughout the event. Most importantly, to honour the GMs for their participation, they will be offered an appearance fee based on their ratings:
Players rated between 2450 and 2499 will receive an appearance fee of $500 USD.
Players rated 2500 and above will receive $800 USD.
So, if you are a Grandmaster who wishes to be part of this tribute, to honour Ziaur's legacy, you are invited to join the event in Dhaka. Feel free to reach out to:
Email: ziamemorialchess@gmail.com or bdchessfederation@gmail.com
WhatsApp:
Mr. Tahsin Tajwar Zia: +880 1727-210202
Mr. Saiful Islam: +880 1711-853133
Important links
The legend of Bangladesh Chess - Ziaur Rahman (1974-2024)