The 44th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the founder of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and a key figure in the country’s history, will be observed with due respect on Friday, May 30.
Ziaur Rahman, who played a pivotal role as the proclaimer of Bangladesh’s independence and the pioneer of multi-party democracy, was assassinated on this day in 1981.
Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam, who served as a sector commander during the War of Liberation and led the “Z Force,” was tragically killed at the Chittagong Circuit House by a group of disgruntled army officers. His death marked a turning point in the nation’s political history.
To commemorate the day, BNP and its affiliated organizations have organized an eight-day program to honor the legacy of Ziaur Rahman, who led the party to become one of Bangladesh’s foremost political entities. The programs, which began on May 26, will continue until June 2, featuring various activities aimed at paying tribute to the late president.
The planned activities include discussion meetings, publication of posters and special supplements, wearing of black badges, hoisting black flags, placing wreaths, offering prayers at Ziaur Rahman’s grave, and distributing food and clothes to the underprivileged.
Today (Thursday), BNP held a discussion meeting at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) auditorium, where senior party leaders and distinguished guests highlighted Ziaur Rahman’s contributions to the nation’s progress and prosperity.
On Friday morning, BNP will lower its party flag to half-mast and hoist black flags at its central office in Nayapaltan, as well as at party offices nationwide. Party leaders and activists will wear black badges in observance of the day. At 10:30 AM, floral tributes will be offered at Ziaur Rahman’s grave in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, followed by food and clothes distribution by BNP’s Dhaka North and South City units.
Ziaur Rahman’s leadership was integral to Bangladesh’s development, particularly through initiatives such as canal-digging programs, the Green Revolution, industrial development, and the introduction of a modern, pragmatic economic system. His efforts in empowering women and promoting child development left an indelible mark on the nation.
During his presidency, Ziaur Rahman successfully transitioned Bangladesh from a one-party ruling system to a multi-party democracy, reshaping the country’s political landscape. His administration was characterized by the 19-point program, which addressed a broad range of economic, political, and social reforms. These reforms, which included increasing agricultural production, controlling population growth, achieving food self-sufficiency, decentralizing administration, and encouraging private sector industrial growth, are considered a testament to his vision of development-oriented governance.
Sadly, Ziaur Rahman’s progressive leadership was met with both domestic and international conspiracies aimed at undermining his rule. On May 29, 1981, while on an official visit to Chattogram, Ziaur Rahman was assassinated in the early hours of May 30 by a group of misguided military personnel. After the assassination, his body was buried in the remote jungles of Raozan, but it was later recovered and reburied in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar after three days.
The legacy of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman continues to inspire many, particularly through his vision for a democratic and self-reliant Bangladesh.
LND/BG
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