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DHAKA, May 31, 2025 (BSS) - Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman was a symbol of democracy who dedicated his life to establish democratic ideals in the country.
"President Ziaur Rahman was not just a person; he was a symbol of democracy," he said while addressing a Khatme Quran and doa-mahfil after Magrib prayers on Friday at a local hall in East London under the arrangement of UK unit of BNP on the occasion of the 44th martyrdom anniversary of Ziaur Rahman.
"He devoted his life to ensure democratic rights. Today, as we commemorate his martyrdom, we pray not only for him, but also for all martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the pursuit of democracy," he added.
The event saw a significant turnout of UK-based BNP leaders, activists and members of the expatriate Bangladeshi community.
Attendees offered prayers seeking eternal peace of the departed souls of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman, the victims of the 2024 July Uprising and those who sacrificed lives for democratic rights in Bangladesh.
In a sharp criticism of the ousted government, Tarique Rahman recalled the state repression during the Anti-discrimination Student Movement last year.
"The brutality unleashed by the fugitive dictator to cling to power was unprecedented. Many lives were lost and countless people were injured and maimed. According to the United Nations, 63 children were killed during that time," he said.
Expressing hope for justice, he added, "The blood and sacrifice of those who are fighting to restore democracy in Bangladesh will not go in vain. History will judge this oppression and on that day, the people's verdict will be final."
The proclaimer of Bangladesh's independence and pioneer of multi-party democracy, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam, who was also sector commander during the 1971 Liberation War and led the "Z Force" was assassinated on May 30, 1981 by a group of disgruntled army officers at Chittagong Circuit House.
