Nation recalls Shaheed Zia on his 45th martyrdom anniversary

The nation has paid deep tribute to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman on the occasion of his 45th martyrdom anniversary for his colorful working life in capital Dhaka and elsewhere across the country.

On May 30, 1981, President Zia was assassinated at the Chattogram Circuit House by a group of disgruntled army officers as part of a domestic and foreign conspiracy.

We remember this great Liberation War hero, then Major Ziaur Rahman, with due respect who on March 26 made the historic declaration of independence of Bangladesh from the Kalurghat radio station in Chattogram.

He was one of the sector commanders (Z Force) of the Liberation War, a promoter of multi-party democracy, and founder of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

Ziaur Rahman was born on 19 January 1936 at Bagmara village under Gabtali upazila in Bogura district.

To mark the anniversary, BNP announced an eight-day special programme from May 25 to June 1.

According to the announced programmes, special posters are published for the ongoing programme and party leaders and activists are wearing black badges.

Ziaur Rahman took charge of the country amidst the extreme political instability that arose after 15 August1975.

He emerged at the centre of state power following the soldier-people’s uprising of 7 November 1975.

His economic reforms, production-oriented politics and canal digging programme showed the nation the path to self-reliance.

Meanwhile, President Mohammed Shahabuddin paying his tribute said the simple and selfless life, strong personality, unquestionable integrity and pragmatic statesmanship of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman would remain eternally alive in the hearts of the people.

His eventful life, profound patriotism, uncompromising stance against corruption, commitment to justice and fairness, vision of self-reliant Bangladesh and enduring ideals would continue to inspire the younger generation.

As part of the party’s programme, BNP Chairperson and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid tribute at Ziaur Rahman’s grave at Zia Udyan in Dhaka on Saturday morning.

He then distributed food items and clothing among underprivileged people in front of the T&T playground on Manik Mia Avenue.

Mentionable, BNP founded by Ziaur Rahman secured a majority in the 13th National Parliamentary Election held on February 12 this year and formed the government.

Tarique Rahman, the eldest son of Shaheed President Zia, is currently the chairman of BNP and is serving as the Prime Minister of the new government.

As previous years, BNP and its affiliated organizations and people from all walks of life commemorate him through various events.

Editorials in newspapers and magazines call for unity regardless of party affiliation to uphold his ideals and establish democracy and good governance in the country.