BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir -File Photo

DHAKA, May 29, 2025 (BSS) - BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today paid profound tributes to the memory of BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman on his 44th martyrdom anniversary.

In a message on the eve of the anniversary, he said Ziaur Rahman was the declarer of the Great Independence who later re-established multi-party democracy and was the proponent of the timeless philosophy of 'Bangladeshi Nationalism', the architect of modern Bangladesh and a successful statesman.

“Shaheed Zia’s noble ideals, philosophy, and programmes remain the safeguards of our independence, sovereignty, multi-party democracy, and national development and progress,” he said, adding that during the most critical moments in the nation's history, Ziaur Rahman stood firmly for the people and the country. 

He recalled Ziaur Rahman’s heroic declaration of independence, his fierce battle in 1971, and his unparalleled contribution to nation-building. 

“In early 1971, when the entire nation was ready for the Liberation War but was confused and directionless due to the indecisiveness of political leadership, the then Major Zia's historic proclamation of independence from Kalurghat radio station on March 26 inspired the entire nation to rise up in the war of liberation,” he said in the message. 

“As a result, people from all walks of life — youth, students, workers — rushed to join the fight. Resisting the destructive forces of the invaders, the nation marched toward victory,” he said.

“Following independence, people's lives were crushed under the undemocratic, repressive rule of the domestic rulers. Citizens’ rights were taken away, and democracy was buried. Ruthless one-party dictatorship was imposed. Freedom of the press and people's freedom of speech and thought were eliminated under an authoritarian regime. The entire nation was trapped under the tyranny of one-party hegemony,” said Mirza Fakhrul.

“At that time of prevailing chaos, Ziaur Rahman emerged on the national political stage with the combined strength of soldiers and citizens. Upon assuming power, he restored multi-party democracy and civil liberties, including press freedom, ensuring the historical success of democracy,” he said.

“He (Ziaur Rahman) initiated a politics of production to economically strengthen the country, transforming Bangladesh from a so-called bottomless basket to a food-exporting nation. Personally, he despised corruption, false promises, and opportunism. His inner integrity gave him a unique and enviable stature. His economic and political reforms paved the way for multi-party democracy and laid a strong foundation for Bangladesh’s economy,” said the BNP secretary general.

He said the popularity of this great nationalist leader was never accepted by conspirators both at home and abroad. 

“From the moment he took office, anti-state elements began conspiring against him. These conspirators brutally assassinated President Ziaur Rahman on May 30, 1981, at the Chittagong Circuit House. With this tragic assassination, the nation lost a great patriot. But no matter how hard the conspirators tried, removing a rare statesman from this world does not erase him from history — instead, he becomes eternally alive in the hearts of his people. No one could ever sway this genuine patriot from his ideals. He always moved forward steadfastly, guided by his unwavering principles,” he said.

“For sixteen long years, the fascist Awami League regime held on to power by creating fear and terror among the people, snatching away people’s rights. Repression and brutality were their only tools to cling to power. The defeated Awami fascist regime plundered national wealth and established a mafia economy by laundering money abroad,” he said.

“In such a dire situation, on August 5 last year, the pro-democracy people, along with students and citizens, united and overthrew Sheikh Hasina’s regime. The victory earned with the blood of students and the masses must now be made complete,” he said.

“We must ensure an environment where free and fair elections, accountability to the people, transparency, tolerance of opposing views, and the full exercise of all civil rights are guaranteed — so that democracy may take permanent root. In all crises, struggles, and nation-building efforts, we must move forward upholding the ideals shown by Shaheed Zia, and build a rock-solid national unity to safeguard the national interest, pluralistic democracy, and people’s rights,” said Fakhrul.

He said Shaheed Zia, a valiant freedom fighter, and fearless and selfless statesman, is today the source of inspiration for all nationalist forces because of his patriotism, honesty, and dedication to duty. 

Fakhrul Islam called upon the leaders, workers, supporters, well-wishers of the party and its affiliated and allied organizations, and to all political, social, and cultural organizations and citizens at all levels to observe the martyrdom anniversary of this great leader with utmost dignity and wide participation.