Staff Reporter :
Bangladesh commemorates today as a significant moment in its political history, as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) observes “National Revolution and Solidarity Day,” marking the 49th anniversary of a pivotal event that led to the rise of Ziaur Rahman in Bangladesh’s post-independence era.
This day, often remembered with a mix of reflection and reverence by BNP supporters, remains a divisive chapter, reflecting the deep-seated historical interpretations of the nation’s post-liberation trajectory.
November 7, 1975, was a day of significant upheaval.
Following the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in August of that year, Bangladesh plunged into political turmoil. Khondaker Mostaq Ahmed briefly assumed the presidency, only to be overthrown on November 6 after a bloodless coup led by Brigadier Khaled Mosharraf and Colonel Shafat Jamil.
Just days before, on November 3, four prominent national leaders-Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmed, Muhammad Mansur Ali, and A.H.M. Qamaruzzaman-were brutally murdered in jail, marking a tragic milestone amidst the power struggles within the ruling establishment.
During this period, General Ziaur Rahman, who had been placed under house arrest by the new regime, emerged as a focal point for opposing forces. Colonel Abu Taher, a socialist ex-army officer, advocated for Zia’s release and supported him as a leader who could guide the country on a different political path. Taher’s motivations, rooted in anti-elitist sentiments within the military, sparked a popular uprising on November 7, which saw both soldiers and civilians taking to the streets.
The uprising led to Ziaur Rahman’s release and Khaled Mosharraf’s assassination, marking Zia’s ascent to power. Though contested in historical narratives, this event is celebrated by the BNP as a decisive moment that preserved national independence and set Bangladesh on a path toward multiparty democracy.
In his message to the nation, BNP’s Acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman, described November 7 as “an unforgettable day in the nation’s history,” recalling the “indomitable spirit” of the soldiers and civilians who “protected national independence and revived lost democracy.” Tarique claimed that the political instability and “hegemonic designs” of the ruling elite had driven the nation to an “unknown destination,” but the “Revolution” of November 7 brought relief to the people and secured the country’s sovereignty under Ziaur Rahman’s leadership.
According to Tarique, the revolution not only safeguarded Bangladesh’s independence but also initiated “the journey of multiparty democracy” under Ziaur Rahman, paving the way for development and national unity.
He criticised the current government, led by the Awami League, for allegedly suppressing democratic freedoms, citing the imprisonment of his mother, Begum Khaleda Zia, and the alleged persecution of opposition figures.
Tarique emphasised the need for Khaleda’s release, referring to her as “the mother of democracy,” which he sees as essential for restoring democratic norms.
In a press briefing, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir called for the reinstatement of a public holiday on November 7, urging its recognition as “National Revolution and Solidarity Day.”
He asserted that “a new Bangladesh” had emerged from this revolutionary day, with Ziaur Rahman leading the country away from external dominance and establishing a foundation for a “free economy and free media.” Fakhrul stressed the importance of passing on this legacy to the younger generation.
To commemorate the day, the BNP has announced a series of events, including a rally in Dhaka on November 8 and gatherings in district and divisional towns across the country. However, the party notes challenges in marking the day “properly” due to alleged restrictions imposed by successive Awami League governments.
As political observers revisit the events of November 7, 1975, BNP’s narrative and Tarique Rahman’s message reflect a continued claim to the legacy of Ziaur Rahman. With ongoing disputes over interpretations of Bangladesh’s political history, November 7 remains a deeply significant, yet divisive, day in the nation’s collective memory.
