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BangladeshNationalist Party-BNP
Message from BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on the Occasion of the 45th Martyrdom Anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman
Message
On the 45th Martyrdom Anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman—the Great Proclaimer of Independence, the Restorer of Multi-Party Democracy, the architect of the timeless philosophy of “Bangladeshi Nationalism,” the builder of modern Bangladesh, an undisputed statesman, and the founder of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)—I pay my deepest respects to his cherished memory and pray for the eternal peace of his departed soul. The path, vision, and programs demonstrated by Shaheed Zia remain a safeguard for our independence, sovereignty, multi-party democracy, and the nation’s development and progress.
During the most critical moments in the history of our nation, Ziaur Rahman always stood firmly on the side of the country and its people. By proclaiming the Independence of Bangladesh from the Kalurghat Radio Station in Chattogram, and later serving as a distinguished Sector Commander and Commander of Z Force during the Liberation War, he secured an honored place in the nation’s history as a heroic leader. Inspired by his declaration of independence on 26 March 1971, students, workers, youth, and people from all walks of life joined the struggle for freedom. Their collective resistance helped defeat the occupying forces and led the nation toward victory.
Following independence, the people of Bangladesh suffered under undemocratic and repressive rule. Citizens’ rights were curtailed, democracy was buried, and a harsh one-party system was imposed. Freedom of the press, freedom of speech, and freedom of thought were systematically suppressed. The nation was trapped under the grip of authoritarian domination. During that turbulent period, soldiers and ordinary citizens united in resistance. Through the combined efforts of soldiers and the people, Ziaur Rahman was freed from captivity and emerged as a central figure in national politics.
Upon assuming state leadership, Ziaur Rahman restored multi-party democracy, freedom of the press, and civil liberties. He re-established the democratic process and initiated a politics of production based on voluntary participation to make Bangladesh economically self-reliant. Under his leadership, Bangladesh transformed from being labeled a “bottomless basket” into a food-exporting nation. Personally, he despised corruption, false promises, and opportunism. His integrity and honesty elevated him to a unique and admirable stature. His political and economic reforms laid the foundation for both multi-party democracy and a stronger economy in Bangladesh.
The immense popularity of this great nationalist leader was never accepted by domestic and foreign conspiratorial forces. From the moment he assumed power, anti-national elements began plotting against him. Their conspiracy culminated on 30 May 1981, when President Ziaur Rahman was brutally assassinated at the Circuit House in Chattogram. Through this tragic event, the nation lost one of its greatest patriots.
However, no conspiracy can erase the legacy of a great statesman. Such leaders continue to live forever in the hearts of their people. Following his assassination, his spouse, the uncompromising leader Begum Khaleda Zia, carried forward his mission by advancing multi-party democracy and national development while confronting anti-democratic and anti-national forces. Shaheed Zia remained unwavering in his principles throughout his life and continued his journey toward building a modern state with dedication and conviction.
For seventeen years, Awami fascism clung to power by creating fear and terror among the people. Democratic rights were taken away, and citizens were imprisoned within the structures of authoritarian rule. Enforced disappearances, killings, repression, and persecution became the primary tools for sustaining power. The fallen fascist regime established a plunder-based mafia economy by siphoning national wealth abroad.
In response, students, workers, and democracy-loving citizens united to restore democracy, ultimately leading to the fall of Sheikh Hasina on 5 August 2024. The victory achieved through the sacrifices of students and ordinary citizens must now be fully realized. Free and fair elections have been held. Under the leadership of Mr. Tarique Rahman, the BNP-led government remains committed to ensuring accountability to the people, transparency in every sector, tolerance of differing opinions, and the protection of all citizens’ rights.
To establish a stable and enduring democratic system, the democratic institutions of the state must be strengthened. In addressing the nation’s challenges, struggles, and future development, we must continue to follow the path and ideals of Shaheed Zia while building an unbreakable national unity to protect national interests, pluralistic democracy, and the rights of the people.
The ideals, patriotism, integrity, and dedication of Shaheed Zia—a brave freedom fighter and fearless statesman—continue to inspire nationalist forces today.
On this 30 May, I call upon leaders and activists of the party and its associate organizations, supporters, well-wishers, political, social, and cultural organizations, and people from all walks of life to observe the Martyrdom Anniversary of this great leader with due dignity and solemnity.
May Allah protect us all. Bangladesh Zindabad.
Message Sent By
Muhammad Munir Hossain
Assistant Office Secretary
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)
