Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) President Major General (Retd) ANM Muniruzzaman has said the future of any nation depends on the quality of its people rather than just economic or technological progress.
"Institutions do not build themselves. Economies do not grow by themselves. Progress ultimately depends upon individuals and their character, their discipline, and a sense of purpose," he said while speaking at the book launch and literary discussion of Zi-DoNa Trilogy, authored by Major General (Retd) Md Nazrul Islam, which was held in Dhaka on Saturday evening.
Muniruzzaman praised Major General (Retd) Md Nazrul Islam for his commitment to continuous self-development, calling the trilogy a natural outcome of Nazrul Islam's lifelong journey.
The lead discussant and principal reviewer was Enayetullah Khan, Chairman of COSMOS Foundation and Editor-in-Chief of United News of Bangladesh (UNB) and Dhaka Courier.
Briefly exploring what readers will actually find within the pages of the Zi-DoNa Trilogy, Enayetullah Khan said what he found particularly interesting is that the trilogy does not promise shortcuts.
“It does not offer instant success or easy solutions. Instead, it repeatedly encourages reflection, discipline, responsibility and continuous self-improvement,” Khan said, noting that in a world increasingly attracted to quick results, that message is both refreshing and necessary.
“I view Zi-DoNa Trilogy not merely as a collection of books but as a practical guide to personal growth. It encourages readers to govern their thoughts, shape their character and align their lives with a meaningful purpose,” he said, congratulating Nazrul Islam for producing a work that draws upon decades of experience, observation and reflection.
Khan, who spent more than four decades observing people from different countries, cultures, professions and walks of life, hoped that these books will inspire readers not only to read, but also to think, reflect and act.
Other eminent discussants and reviewers included Senior Research Fellow at BIPSS Shafqat Munir, Chairman of Daffodil International University Dr Md Sabur Khan, and Vice-Chancellor of North South University Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury.
The event brought together distinguished guests to discuss the trilogy's focus on self-governance, discipline and purpose-driven living.
The author explained that the philosophy of 'Zi-DoNa' is a coined term derived from three ancient sound-roots: 'Zi' (Chinese) meaning the Self or Mind; 'Do' (Japanese/Korean) representing the Way or disciplined action; and 'Na' (Sanskrit) denoting attainment or purposeful fulfilment.
Together, he noted, they represent a structured human journey of 'Focus, Execute, and Achieve'.
"The real battle is not fought outside; the real battle is to manage oneself," Nazrul Islam said during his speech, reflecting on his 36 years of service in uniform and his observations in the corporate world.
He emphasised that the trilogy, which contains 99 articles, aims to provide a true compass for young leaders and executives to navigate the turbulent sea of life.
During the discussion, Sabur Khan announced that the trilogy would be included in the university's 'Art of Living' course.
He observed that the current educational system often fails to teach professionalism and resilience. "The battle is really fighting inside our mind. This book can help change the mindset of our students," Sabur Khan added.
Shafqat Munir noted that society today faces a shortage of wisdom and direction despite unprecedented technological advancement.
"Before we seek to influence others, we must learn to govern ourselves," he stated, adding that the trilogy is a significant contribution to human development.
The trilogy consists of three volumes: Govern Your Mind, Form Your Life, and Endure Through Purpose.
The first volume provides a basis for understanding thoughts and controlling the inner world to overcome fear and doubt.
The second volume, Form Your Life, focuses on turning clarity into disciplined action and resilience.
The final volume, Endure Through Purpose, explores leadership under pressure and the alignment of ambition with a lasting legacy.
The event was organised by M E Chowdhury Shameem, Publisher and CEO of NRB Scholars Publishers Limited.