Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof. Dr. Md. Rafiqul Islam Sarder today said former president Ziaur Rahman took the necessary steps to meet the country's needs during critical moments in its history.

"Whenever the country needed something, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman did exactly what was required," he said.

The VC also said there was no comparable example anywhere in the world of three members of the same family successfully taking up the responsibility of governing a country.

He was speaking as chief guest at a discussion on the occasion of National Revolution and Solidarity Day at the Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin Auditorium of the university this morning. The National Days Celebration Committee of BAU organised the programme, titled "Significance of National Revolution and Solidarity Day". It began at 10:30am.

Presiding over the event, BAU Students' Affairs Adviser Prof. Dr. Md. Abdul Alim said the day had not been observed for the past 17 years despite its historical importance.

"Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman took charge of the nation during one of its most critical periods," he said.

Stressing patriotism and leadership, he said, "Bangladesh must always come first. Students must prepare themselves to take responsibility for leading the country."

Prof. Dr. Md. Shahidul Islam, member secretary of the committee and associate students' affairs adviser, moderated the programme.

Speakers recalled the events of November 7, 1975, and highlighted their historical and political significance. They emphasised presenting the context of the day to the younger generation and strengthening national unity, solidarity and patriotism.

Among others, Prof. Dr. Sadika Haque, Prof. Dr. Md. Abul Kalam Azad, Registrar Dr. Md. Halal Uddin, Treasurer Prof. Dr. Md. Mojammel Haque, Controller of Examinations Prof. Dr. Zoarder Faruque Ahmed, former Students' Affairs Adviser Prof. Dr. Muhammad Shahidul Haque, Sonali Dal President Prof. Dr. M Hammadur Rahman, Dean of the Faculty of Fisheries Prof. Dr. Md. Ali Reza Faruk and Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture Prof. Dr. Masum Ahmad spoke at the programme.

BAU Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal Convener Md. Atiqur Rahman, Member Secretary Md. Shafiqul Islam, Senior Joint Convener A M Shoaib, BAU Officers' Association President Dr. A K M Mahbubur Rashid Golap and Direct Officers' Association Convener Wahida Yasmin, along with representatives of different employees' bodies, also spoke. Teachers, students, officials, employees and leaders of various student organisations attended.