Photo : BSS

KHULNA, May 30, 2026 (BSS) – Khulna city BNP President Advocate S.M. Shafiqul Alam Mona today said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman declared the country's independence and called for resistance against the Pakistani occupation forces in 1971, despite grave risks to his own life and the safety of his family.
 
He made the remarks as the chief guest at a discussion and prayer meeting held here to mark the 45th martyrdom anniversary of BNP founder, former President, proclaimer of multi-party democracy and Bir Uttam Ziaur Rahman.
 
The programme was organised by the Khulna city and district units of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) at the party office on K.D. Ghosh Road as part of a 10-day observance programme undertaken by the city BNP.
 
He said Ziaur Rahman was awarded the title of Bir Uttam after independence in recognition of his outstanding bravery and contribution to the Liberation War.
 
Highlighting Ziaur Rahman's role in restoring democracy and ensuring press freedom, Mona said he reintroduced multi-party democracy following the Sepoy-People's Revolution of November 7, 1975, and guaranteed full freedom of the press.
 
Referring to former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia's political struggle, he said she emerged as a national leader through the movement to restore democracy against military ruler Hussain Muhammad Ershad and later served the country as an elected Prime Minister.
 
Calling upon party leaders and activists to remain united, Mona alleged that anti-independence and anti-democratic forces were still engaged in conspiracies to hinder the country's progress.
 
He urged all democratic forces to remain vigilant and united to resist such attempts.
 
Following the discussion, special prayers were offered seeking eternal peace for the departed soul of Ziaur Rahman and the welfare of the nation.