BNP leader Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan speaking as a chief guest in a function in Palash upazila of Narsingdi district. Photo: BSS

NARSINGDI, Jan 19, 2026 (BSS) - BNP standing committee member and BNP-nominated candidate for the Narsingdi-2 constituency Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan today said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman led the nation through times of crisis and played a historic role in establishing multi-party democracy in Bangladesh.

He said Ziaur Rahman not only declared the War of Liberation in 1971 but also fought on the front lines out of his deep love for the country and its people. Ziaur Rahman served as the commander of Z Force during the Liberation War and was awarded the gallantry title Bir Uttam for his heroic role, Dr Moyeen Khan added.

Dr Moyeen Khan made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a prayer and discussion meeting organised by Palash upazila BNP to mark the 90th birth anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.

The programme was held at around 4:00 pm at the BIDC Bus Stand in Palash upazila.

After returning to the country victorious as a sector commander, Ziaur Rahman devoted himself to serving the people as a soldier, Dr Moyeen Khan said. 

"He provided leadership during national crises, and it was under his leadership that multi-party politics was introduced in Bangladesh," he said.

Referring to the period from 1972 to 1975, Dr Moyeen Khan said the Awami League established autocratic rule and introduced the one-party BAKSAL system. "People across the country united in protest against BAKSAL, as they had participated in the Liberation War to establish democracy, not to accept one-party or authoritarian rule," he said.

He further said that the BNP, founded by Ziaur Rahman, along with his worthy successor Tarique Rahman, would not allow any form of autocracy to be re-established in the country.

Palash upazila BNP President Abdur Sattar, General Secretary Saiful Haque, Senior Joint General Secretary Bahauddin Milton, Ghorashal Poura BNP General Secretary Delwar Hossain, and leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies were present at the event.

Speakers at the discussion meeting recalled with deep respect the patriotism, leadership and contributions of Ziaur Rahman in establishing multi-party democracy. The programme concluded with special prayers and munajat seeking eternal peace for his departed soul.