United News of Bangladesh

BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Sunday said research institutions dedicated to studying the life of former President Ziaur Rahman should have been established in Bangladesh long ago. He expressed hope that the government will take steps soon in this regard, calling it a long-overdue responsibility. The BNP leader made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion, titled “The Role of Freedom Fighters in Rebuilding the State,” organised by Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal and Muktijuddher Projonmo at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh (IDEB) in Kakrail, marking the 45th death anniversary of former President Ziaur Rahman. Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan attended the event as the keynote speaker.

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.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday urged people to engage in nation-building by embracing the ideals of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. He made the call while addressing gatherings before distributing clothes and dry food items among poor people in the ECB and Kuril areas of the capital as part of programmes marking the 45th death anniversary of BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman. “The main objective of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman’s politics was to serve the country and stand by the people. At the same time, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman taught us how to work for the country and how to build the nation,” the Prime Minister said. “As part of that philosophy, we are standing by disadvantaged people today with a helping hand,” he said, referring to the distribution programme. Tarique Rahman said the government had been entrusted with the responsibility of serving the people and rebuilding the country following the February 12 election.“We pray to Almighty Allah to grant us the blessings to properly fulfil the opportunity He has given us to build the country and stand by its people,” he said, adding: “Let this be our pledge today, let this be our commitment.” The Prime Minister later distributed clothes and dry food items among poor people. Earlier in the day, around 11:00am, Tarique Rahman, also BNP chairman, paid tribute to Ziaur Rahman on the occasion of his 45th death anniversary.Tarique Rahman first laid a wreath at Ziaur Rahman’s grave at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in his capacity as Prime Minister.He later placed another wreath as BNP chairman, accompanied by members of the party’s Standing Committee, including Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Salahuddin Ahmed and Prof AZM Zahid Hossain.Following the wreath-laying ceremony, Tarique Rahman inaugurated the relief distribution programme on the Rajdhani High School premises on Manik Mia Avenue by distributing food among poor people. As part of the programmes to observe the death anniversary, clothes and dry food items are being distributed at 17 locations across Dhaka city.

India on Saturday remembered Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and his famous radio address of March 1971, describing him as one of the bravest sons of the nation. The neighbouring country said former President Ziaur Rahman’s radio address electrified the masses, inspired them on a path of resistance against oppression and led to national liberation. "As the people of Bangladesh gather today in memory of one of their nation’s bravest sons – Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam – we recall his famous radio address of March 1971, which electrified the masses, inspired them on a path of resistance against oppression and led to national liberation," said the Indian High Commission in Dhaka in a message. Today, as then, India said it stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of Bangladesh in a saga of shared sacrifices and a common journey towards progress and prosperity of peoples of both countries. Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman earlier paid tribute to party founder and former President Ziaur Rahman on the occasion of his 45th death anniversary. Tarique Rahman first laid a wreath at Ziaur Rahman’s grave at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in his capacity as Prime Minister. He later placed another wreath as BNP Chairman, accompanied by members of the party’s Standing Committee, including Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Salahuddin Ahmed and Prof AZM Zahid Hossain.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday started distributing clothes and food items among poor and destitute people as part of programmes marking the 45th death anniversary of BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman. The distribution programme began around 11:30am on the Rajdhani High School premises on Manik Mia Avenue in the capital. The event marked the start of day-long programmes featuring the distribution of clothes, essential goods and free healthcare services for poor and destitute people on the occasion of Ziaur Rahman’s death anniversary. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Safiqul Islam Khan and former councillor Anwaruzzaman, among others, were present.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said former President and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman brought an unprecedented change to Bangladesh within just three and a half years of his rule. “On one hand, he reintroduced multiparty democracy and brought the country back from one-party rule and BAKSAL. On the other hand, he introduced a free-market economy. I believe this was the first phase of Bangladesh’s transformation,” Fakhrul said. “In just three and a half years, he brought such an extraordinary change that Bangladesh, once labelled a ‘bottomless basket’, turned into a country moving towards prosperity,” he added. Fakhrul, also local government, rural development and co-operatives minister, made the remarks after paying tribute to former President Ziaur Rahman at his grave at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar on the occasion of his 45th death anniversary. Describing Ziaur Rahman as the proclaimer of Bangladesh’s independence, a pioneer and reintroducer of multiparty democracy and the architect of modern Bangladesh, he said BNP could not properly observe the day for nearly 17 years due to what he termed fascist repression. “I still remember that when we came here once, many of our leaders were injured in police firing. Today, we are observing the day in a free environment,” the BNP leader said. He said Ziaur Rahman tried to transform the country’s old and decaying system after being elected to state leadership through a democratic process. Fakhrul said Ziaur Rahman had rescued the country from the aftermath of the 1974 famine and economic mismanagement and led Bangladesh towards food surplus and increased agricultural production. “That period was a time of transformation for our society and country, and he provided the leadership for that change by uniting the people,” he said. Referring to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as Zia’s worthy successor, the BNP secretary general said the government has already launched programmes aimed at reforms and production growth. “We have started reform initiatives and production-oriented programmes. Family Card, Farmers’ Card and other initiatives have already created a new momentum in Bangladesh,” he said.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin has issued a message on the occasion of the 45th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, paying his deepest respect to his immortal memory. “On this solemn day, I respectfully and gratefully remember the outstanding contributions of this heroic commander of the Liberation War, proclaimer of independence, pioneer of multi-party democracy, architect of modern Bangladesh, and visionary statesman,” he said. Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman remains an unforgettable name in the history of Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty, and democratic progress, Shahabuddin said. In the early hours of 26 March 1971, this brave soldier called upon the nation to engage in armed resistance against the Pakistani occupation forces, he said. “His call and declaration of independence showed a path of hope to a bewildered nation and inspired people from all walks of life to unite and actively participate in the Liberation War. In recognition of his extraordinary bravery, military strategy, and contribution to the war, he was awarded the title of ‘Bir Uttam’.” The President said after independence, political instability, the curtailment of civil liberties and freedom of speech, widespread anarchy, corruption, and looting brought the state structure close to collapse. “At such a critical moment, against the backdrop of the joint revolution of soldiers and people, the responsibility of leading the country was entrusted to him. During various difficult periods in the nation’s history, he played the role of a saviour and rescuer. His unique contribution and successful leadership will continue to guide future generations,” he said. Assuming responsibility for state affairs, this wise statesman established multi-party democracy and ensured freedom of speech, expression, and the press, Shahabuddin said. “Regardless of religion, ethnicity, or whether people lived in the hills or plains, he united the entire nation under the spirit of Bangladeshi nationalism.” He said for socio-economic development, boosting investment and export, attaining self-reliance, and improvements in living standards, Ziaur Rahman introduced multifaceted plans and groundbreaking programmes. “His 19-point programme served as a blueprint for building a productive and self-reliant Bangladesh.” The President said through initiatives in agricultural development, canal excavation, increased food production, family planning, village government, rural development, and mass education, he brought people into the mainstream of national development. “His contributions to youth development, women’s empowerment, child welfare, and the promotion of education and culture remain unforgettable.” To uphold Bangladesh’s interests on the international stage, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman adopted a balanced foreign policy, he said. “He established dignified, friendly, and cooperative relations with the Muslim world, Southeast Asia, China, and Western countries.” He was the first to institutionalise access for Bangladeshi workers to labour markets in the Middle East and other regions, Shahabuddin said. “As a result of his far-sighted initiatives, remittances sent by expatriates have become one of the principal driving forces of the national economy. It was also through his active efforts that the path was paved for the eventual establishment of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).” He said Ziaur Rahman had only a short time to lead the country. “Yet within that brief period, the patriotism, integrity, dedication, and vision with which he advanced the nation remain a shining example to this day.” The President expressed his belief that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman’s simple and selfless life, strong personality, unquestionable honesty, and image as a pragmatic and energetic statesman will remain forever alive in the hearts of the people. “I hope that his active life, profound love for the country, firm stance against corruption, commitment to justice and fairness, vision of self-reliant development, and ideals will continue to inspire future generations.” He also prayed to Almighty Allah to grant Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman the highest place in Jannatul Ferdous.

The BNP is observing the 45th death anniversary of its founder and former President Ziaur Rahman today. The party and its associate bodies chalked out an eight-day programme to observe the death anniversary nationwide with due respect. The programmes began on May 25 and will continue until June 1. Ziaur Rahman, who founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in 1978, was assassinated by a group of disgruntled Army officers at Chattogram Circuit House on May 30, 1981. Meanwhile, President Mohammed Shahabuddin issued a message on the occasion of the 45th martyrdom anniversary of Ziaur Rahman, paying his deepest respect to his immortal memory. “On this solemn day, I respectfully and gratefully remember the outstanding contributions of this heroic commander of the Liberation War, proclaimer of independence, pioneer of multi-party democracy, architect of modern Bangladesh, and visionary statesman,” he said. Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman remains an unforgettable name in the history of Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty, and democratic progress, Shahabuddin said. The President expressed his belief that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman’s simple and selfless life, strong personality, unquestionable honesty, and image as a pragmatic and energetic statesman will remain forever alive in the hearts of the people. “I hope that his active life, profound love for the country, firm stance against corruption, commitment to justice and fairness, vision of self-reliant development, and ideals will continue to inspire future generations.” As part of the programmes, Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman will lead party leaders and activists in offering Fateha and placing wreaths at Ziaur Rahman’s grave at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar at 11:00am. Party flag was kept at half-mast and black flag was hoisted at the BNP central office and other party offices across the country at 6:00am. Different associate bodies and professional groups of the party took various programmes, including discussions and photo exhibitions highlighting Ziaur Rahman’s life and works. BNP units across the country are observing the day with different programmes in memory of the party founder. The Prime Minister will distribute clothes and dry food items among poor people at 16 spots in Dhaka after visiting the grave. He is expected to distribute food among destitute people in front of the Nayapaltan central office in the afternoon as part of programmes to be organised by five associate bodies and one affiliated organisation. BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan told UNB that Tarique Rahman is set to attend all the food and clothes distribution programmes at 16 spots. He said the Prime Minister will begin distributing food items and clothes among poor and destitute people at 11:30am in front of Rajdhani High School on Manik Mia Avenue. Milad and doa mahfils are also being arranged in observance of the day. BNP leaders and activists have been wearing black badges as part of the eight-day programme. Special supplements have also been published in national newspapers, marking the anniversary. Besides, Sayrul said, BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan will distribute relief items among poor people in front of FDC at Karwan Bazar at 11:20am. BNP will arrange a discussion programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh auditorium at 2:00pm on May 31 in observance of the death anniversary of its founder.

The BNP will distribute food items and clothes among poor and destitute people at 16 locations across the capital on May 30, marking the 45th death anniversary of party founder and former President Ziaur Rahman, with BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman set to attend all the programmes as the chief guest. BNP Media Cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan told UNB on Tuesday that Tarique Rahman will distribute food items and clothes at the designated spots on the day. He said Dhaka North and South city units of BNP will organise the programmes in 15 constituencies of Dhaka and in front of the party’s Nayapaltan central office. Ministers, MPs and leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies will remain present at the locations. Lawyers of the Supreme Court are also expected to arrange similar programmes this year. Earlier, BNP announced an eight-day programme from May 25 to June 1, marking the 45th death anniversary of Ziaur Rahman. As part of the programmes, at 6:00am on May 30, party flags will be kept at half-mast and black flags will be hoisted at the BNP central office and other party offices across the country. At 11:00am on the same day, Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, along with party leaders and activists, will place wreaths at the grave of Ziaur Rahman and offer prayers there. After visiting the grave, they will participate in a doa mahfil to be organised by Jatiyatabadi Ulema Dal on the mausoleum premises. As part of the observance, a discussion will be held at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) auditorium at 2:00pm on May 31.

A day after returning home after nearly 17 years, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to visit the grave of his father and BNP founder late President Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar on Friday to pay his respects. Tarique left his Gulshan Avenue residence around 2:54pm in a bus decorated in red and green colours under tight security and headed for Ziaur Rahman’s grave. He used the same bus on Thursday while travelling from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to the public reception venue, Evercare Hospital and his Gulshan residence. He will place a wreath at the grave along with senior BNP leaders, including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and members of the party’s Standing Committee. This will be the first time in almost 19 years that Tarique Rahman is paying tribute at his father’s grave. The last time he did so was on September 1, 2006, when he was serving as the party’s Senior Joint Secretary General, marking the BNP’s founding anniversary. Security tightened at Zia Udyan, Savar National Memorial ahead of Tarique’s visit Later in the day, Tarique is scheduled to visit the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar to pay tribute to the heroes of the Liberation War. On Saturday, Tarique Rahman will be formally registered as a voter. After completing the process, he will visit the grave of Osman Hadi near the Dhaka University Central Mosque. He will later go to the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR), popularly known as Pangu Hospital, to meet those injured in the July 2024 uprising Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh on Thursday morning after spending nearly 17 years abroad. The aircraft carrying him, his wife Zubaida Rahman, and their daughter Zaima Rahman entered Bangladesh’s airspace earlier in the day. His return has drawn wide public attention and strong emotions among BNP leaders, activists, and supporters across the country. Tarique Rahman returns home amid rapturous reception Tarique was greeted by a rapturous reception from hundreds of thousands of jubilant supporters, marking his homecoming as a historic and triumphant event.