‘Research on Ziaur Rahman remains inadequate’

Local Government Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said research on the life, work and political philosophy of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman remains inadequate and called for comprehensive academic studies on his contributions.

Speaking at a photo exhibition and discussion at the Jatiya Press Club marking the 45th death anniversary of the BNP founder and former president, Fakhrul said the lack of extensive research on Ziaur Rahman amounted to an injustice to history.

“Whenever we try to discuss martyred President Ziaur Rahman, it becomes clear that research on him is still very limited. In my view, this amounts to a certain injustice to history,” he said.

Fakhrul urged Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon, who was present at the programme, to take initiatives for conducting high-quality research on Ziaur Rahman’s life, achievements and political vision.

“There is a need for a high-standard research project that thoroughly examines his entire life, achievements and his vision,” he said.

Reflecting on publications about Ziaur Rahman, he described the work of late journalist Mahfuz Ullah as among the finest research-based books on the former president.

Fakhrul said that despite serving for only around four years, Ziaur Rahman initiated reforms and development programmes across almost every sector of the state.

Highlighting what he described as Zia’s most significant contribution, Fakhrul said the former president established a distinct national identity through the concept of Bangladeshi nationalism.

“I am a Bangladeshi. I have a separate identity. I am not a Bengali from West Bengal; I am a citizen of this land.

Through the concept of Bangladeshi nationalism, he established that distinct identity,” he said.

The BNP leader also credited Ziaur Rahman with helping restore public confidence and revitalise the economy following the devastating famine of 1974, which he described as a period marked by severe policy failures.

He said Zia travelled extensively across the country, worked closely with ordinary people and encouraged self-reliance and development at the grassroots level.

According to Fakhrul, Ziaur Rahman’s contributions extended beyond politics and economics to include strengthening democratic values, inspiring national confidence and promoting grassroots development.

Leaders and activists of BNP and its associate organisations, journalists, researchers and admirers of the late president attended the programme.