The 90th birth anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam, the proclaimer of Bangladesh’s independence and founder of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), will be observed on Monday with due respect across the country.
Ziaur Rahman was born on January 19, 1936, at Bagbari village of Nashipur union under Gabtoli upazila in Bogura district. He was the second of five sons of Chemist Mansur Rahman and Jahanara Khatun and was affectionately known as Kamol.
BNP has drawn up a two-day programme to mark the anniversary. Party flags will be hoisted at BNP central office and all party offices nationwide at dawn.
Leaders and activists at all levels, including members of BNP National Standing Committee, will place wreaths and offer Fatiha at the mausoleum of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar at 11:00 AM.
As part of the observance, Doctors’ Association of Bangladesh (DAB) will organise a medical camp. A discussion programme will be held at 11:00 AM on January 20 at Institution of Diploma Engineers Bangladesh (IDEB) auditorium in Kakrail, with senior BNP leaders and prominent national figures in attendance.
Similar discussion meetings and dua mahfils will be organised by BNP and its affiliated bodies at district, metropolitan, upazila and thana levels across the country.
Posters have also been published, while several national dailies will carry special supplements marking the occasion.
Ziaur Rahman, commander of “Z Force” and Sector 1 during the War of Liberation, is remembered for his historic role in the country’s independence and his later emergence as a popular and seasoned statesman.
On March 25, 1971, following the brutal crackdown by Pakistani occupation forces, his declaration of independence inspired countless people to join the Liberation War. For his extraordinary bravery, he was awarded the gallantry title Bir Uttam.
After a turbulent period following the political changes of August 1975, Ziaur Rahman rose to the centre of state power on November 7, 1975.
He later introduced multiparty democracy, ending the one-party BAKSAL system, restored freedom of the press and revitalised democratic institutions.
He founded BNP on September 1, 1978, introducing a 19-point programme reflecting his vision for national development.
Ziaur Rahman assumed office as President on April 21, 1977 and was elected President on June 23, 1978, in a free and competitive election. His leadership is widely credited with restoring law and order, curbing corruption and strengthening public confidence in the state.
Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman was assassinated on May 30, 1981, during an abortive military coup, leaving behind a legacy of patriotism, democratic values, and enduring influence on Bangladesh’s political landscape.
SH
