BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan spoke at Jatiya Press Club during a discussion meeting today. Photo : BSS

DHAKA, June 12, 2026 (BSS) – BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan today called upon the youths to follow the ideals of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, his works and beliefs to help develop the country.

“If we can follow Ziaur Rahman’s ideals, that will be the truest way to honor him, and at the same time it will help make Bangladesh stronger,” he told a discussion organized at Jatiya Press Club here.

Jatiyatabadi Matsyajibi Dal organized it marking the 45th martyrdom anniversary of the proclaimer of Bangladesh’s independence Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam.

Khan said Ziaur Rahman’s guiding principles were justice, development, and Bangladeshi nationalism.

During a critical period in the country’s history, Ziaur Rahman risked his life by taking a stand in favor of independence and participating in the Liberation War, he said, adding that later, Ziaur Rahman was awarded the title of Bir Uttam for his bravery and contribution to the war.

He said between 1972 and 1975, the political, economic, and freedom of expression rights of the people were curtailed. 

To free the country from that situation, Ziaur Rahman assumed leadership through revolution of soldiers and the people, he mentioned.

Khan said within just three and a half years, Ziaur Rahman succeeded in elevating war-ravaged Bangladesh to a respected position in the international arena. 

He brought grassroots people into the mainstream of development and made significant contributions to agriculture, labor, and expatriate income.

He said Ziaur Rahman considered the country’s human resources to be its greatest asset. By creating employment opportunities abroad, he helped strengthen the foundation of the economy, said the senior BNP leader. 

Ziaur Rahman increased agricultural production and moved Bangladesh toward food self-sufficiency, he said, adding that Ziaur Rahman also placed special importance on improving the lives of working people and identified himself as a worker while advocating for the rights and dignity of laborers.

He said Ziaur Rahman remained closely connected with people in villages and rural areas and for this reason, he said, people gave him the title “Rakhal Raja”.

Referring to Ziaur Rahman’s contributions internationally, Khan said Zia introduced a new dimension to international diplomacy and enhanced Bangladesh’s standing in the world.

Addressing the younger generation, he said that they should learn about the life, work, and achievements of Ziaur Rahman and draw lessons from them.

Khan also recalled the contribution of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia to the restoration of parliamentary democracy and called for efforts under the leadership of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman to take Bangladesh to an even more respected position globally.