As the second in command of Second East Bengal Regiment, along with his battalion, Safiullah was the first Bengali officer to stage a rebellion on 19 March 1971 while 57 Bde.

[citation needed] During the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, he was the second in command of Second East Bengal Regiment that revolted with six officers on the night of 4 April 1971.

Towards the end of September he was appointed one of three brigade commanders, leading what was called the "S-force" (after his surname) during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971.

After the 15 August 1975 Bangladesh coup d'état, President Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad replaced him with Major General Ziaur Rahman.

His sector was headquartered in Teliapara, Sylhet from where he commanded his troops and took part in active combats during the entire duration of the war.

[11] Safiullah was the chief of staff of the Bangladesh Army during the assassination of then president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

K M Safiullah demonstrated a natural charisma and diplomacy in dealing with international and diplomatic affairs and in transitioning good relations between Bangladesh and the countries in which he served.

During the time of serving his posting in London he was the most senior ambassador in the Commonwealth, having spent 20 years promoting the values and mission of the newly formed Bangladesh nation.

During his tenure as MP he was responsible for creating many roads and facilitating the formation of development and job creation in the constituency.

Being the most senior army officer in Bangladesh, Safiullah was invited to chair the sector commanders forum in 2014.

Through this association he has led marches and protests well into his late 70s to bring to account war criminals responsible for the atrocities of 1971.