BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday said former President Ziaur Rahman’s greatest contribution was providing the people of Bangladesh with a distinct national identity through the concept of Bangladeshi nationalism.
He said the people of Bangladesh had become fully convinced in 1971 that it was no longer possible to remain part of Pakistan and that they had to wage a war for independence. “And that war was launched by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.”
Fakhrul, also local government, rural development and co-operatives minister, was speaking as the chief guest at a discussion titled “Ziaur Rahman’s Independent Foreign Policy in the Current Context” and a newspaper exhibition organised at the Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB) auditorium, marking the 45th martyrdom anniversary of the former President.
Describing Ziaur Rahman as a courageous patriot who responded to the aspirations of the nation at a critical moment in history, the BNP leader said, “At a time when the entire nation was waiting for a declaration to begin the war, and when such a declaration did not come from the expected leadership, this then little-known major suddenly announced rebellion against Pakistan and declared war from Chattogram.”
Calling Ziaur Rahman a unique and inspirational figure, he said the BNP founder’s most significant achievement was giving the people of Bangladesh a distinct sense of identity through Bangladeshi nationalism. “He gave the people of this land a sense of selfhood and identity. He made it clear that we are different and that our existence is unique,” he said.
Referring to the 13th parliamentary election, Fakhrul said some intellectuals and sections of the media had predicted that Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami would emerge as a major political force.
“Many even suggested that I would lose my own election. But people did not make that mistake. They chose BNP because it represents a liberal democratic political tradition,” he said.
“BNP is a party of liberal democracy. We believe in liberal democratic values and want to establish them. We do not seek to create divisions in society,” the BNP leader added.
He said BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s slogan, “Bangladesh First,” reflects the same spirit and philosophy championed by Ziaur Rahman.
Fakhrul said Ziaur Rahman entered politics at a time when Bangladesh was facing economic collapse, institutional breakdown and political divisions. “Rather than creating further divisions, he brought together people of different political views. His main objective was reconciliation and moving the nation forward together,” he said.
According to him, one of Ziaur Rahman’s defining political characteristics was his ability to unite people and maintain friendly relations with all countries.
Explaining Ziaur Rahman’s enduring popularity, the minister said Bangladeshis have always aspired to build a nation free from external influence and domination. “The people of Bangladesh want to stand on their own feet. They do not want to lean towards any external power. That aspiration was reflected in Ziaur Rahman’s politics,” he said.
He said the people of Bangladesh have consistently stood up to protect the country whenever it faced threats, including during the July 2024 movement. “The people once again created an opportunity for Bangladesh to move forward on a new path,” he said.
Fakhrul expressed confidence that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will be able to lead the country in line with the ideals and vision of Ziaur Rahman.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon presided over the programme.
Economist Dr Mushtaq Khan of the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, attended the event as a special guest, while Major General (retd) ANM Muniruzzaman, president of the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS), delivered the keynote speech.
Among the discussants were Abu Rushd, editor of the Bangladesh Defence Journal, and Dr Shafiqul Rahman, executive director of Brain. PIB Director General Faruk Wasif moderated the programme.