News Desk :
Historical records confirm that Major Ziaur Rahman declared the independence of Bangladesh shortly after the Pakistani occupation forces launched a brutal military crackdown, codenamed “Operation Searchlight,” on the night of March 25, 1971. The operation resulted in widespread casualties across the country.
Many valiant freedom fighters have spoken highly of Ziaur Rahman’s proclamation of independence, describing it as a powerful and galvanising moment for a nation in the grip of atrocities.
According to Major General K. M. Safiullah Bir Uttam, Sector-3 Commander during the Liberation War and later an Awami League lawmaker, Zia’s declaration, broadcast on the evening of March 26, was a pivotal moment that raised hope in the people amid the brutal actions of the Pakistani army.
In his book Bangladesh at War, Safiullah recounts Zia’s decision to reorganise his battalion after a confrontation with his commanding officer on the night of March 25. Zia’s battalion swore allegiance to Bangladesh at 4:00 p.m. on March 26, and he made his first radio announcement, declaring himself as head of state and calling for resistance against Pakistan.
On March 27, Zia made another announcement from the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra in Kalurghat, where he formally declared the independence of Bangladesh on behalf of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
In his own account, published in Dainik Bangla on March 26, 1972, Ziaur Rahman wrote about how, after his return to the battalion, he took immediate action, contacting various leaders and military officials to spread the word of the revolution.
In his speech to the soldiers, Zia ordered them to engage in armed combat, and they all enthusiastically agreed to follow his orders. He described the moment as a turning point, marking the beginning of a bloody but resolute struggle for the independence of Bangladesh.
Zia’s statement concluded with a resolute declaration: “It was 2:15 am, March 26, 1971. A day written with letters of blood in the heart of Bengalis. People of Bangladesh will remember this day forever. They will love to remember it. They will never forget this day. Never.”
Several other sources corroborate Zia’s crucial role in the declaration of independence.
Tajuddin Ahmed, former prime minister of Bangladesh, confirmed that Major Zia made the proclamation on behalf of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. According to Indian journalist Jyoti Sen Gupta’s History of the Freedom Movement in Bangladesh, Zia made the first declaration of independence on the radio on March 26.
In Muldhara ’71, Muyeedul Hasan, a special assistant to Prime Minister Tajuddin Ahmed during the liberation war, also stated that Zia’s declaration occurred on the evening of March 27. Additionally, A K Khondker, Deputy Chief of Staff of Bangladesh’s liberation forces, noted in his book Vitore Baire: 1971 that Zia initially declared himself president but later corrected it, declaring independence on behalf of Bangabandhu, which was broadcast before the evening of March 27.
Freedom fighter S.R. Mirza, in his account Muktijuddher Purbapor: Kathopokathon, recalled clearly hearing Zia’s declaration on the radio on March 27. Indian army officer and author Sukhanto Singh, in India’s Wars since Independence: The Liberation of Bangladesh, also confirmed hearing Zia’s voice declaring independence from the Chattogram Betar on March 26.
The historic significance of Major Ziaur Rahman’s declaration of Bangladesh’s independence remains a defining moment in the country’s history, marking the beginning of its journey toward freedom.
