Photo: BSS

KHULNA, Jan 19, 2026 (BSS) - Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam, emerged as the helmsman of a directionless nation at a critical juncture in Bangladesh's post-independence history, BNP leader Nazrul Islam Manju said today.

Manju, former president of Khulna City BNP and BNP's candidate for the Khulna-2 constituency, made the remarks while addressing a discussion titled "Shaheed Zia in Protecting Independence, Sovereignty and Democracy" at the Khulna Press Club in the afternoon.

The programme was organised by Khulna City BNP to mark the 90th birth anniversary of BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.

Manju said that after independence Bangladesh was devastated by war, economically crippled and mired in political uncertainty. "At that historic moment, Ziaur Rahman came forward as a courageous leader and showed the nation the path of discipline, confidence and hope," he said.

He added that Ziaur Rahman believed independence was not merely a political achievement but also a matter of economic emancipation and national dignity. "That belief led him to prioritise rural development, agricultural empowerment, employment generation and production-oriented growth," Manju said.

The meeting was presided over by Khulna City BNP President and BNP National Executive Committee member Advocate Shafiqul Alam Mona. Former Khulna City Corporation mayor and freedom fighter Moniruzzaman Mony also spoke at the event.

Mony said that at the nation's darkest hour in 1971, a historic voice inspired freedom-loving people. "On March 26, 1971, the declaration 'This is Major Zia speaking,' broadcast from Chattogram, infused new life and courage into millions of Bengalis," he said.

Earlier, Khulna City BNP General Secretary Shafiqul Alam Tuhin presented a written note on the life and works of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, while Quran recitation was conducted by Olama Dal leader Abu Naim.

The scheduled chief guest, poet Abdul Hai Sikder, could not attend the programme due to illness, and speakers prayed for his early recovery.