Photo : National Institute of Mass Communication (NIMC)

DHAKA, June 1, 2026 (BSS) - A discussion and doa mahfil were held today marking the 45th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the proclaimer of the country's independence, jointly organized by the Bangladesh Cinema and Television Institute (BCIT) and the National Institute of Mass Communication (NIMC).

NIMC Director General (Additional Secretary) Muhammad Hiruzzaman presided over the discussion while BCIT Chief Executive Abu Kalam Mohammad Shamsuddin delivered the welcome speech.

At the beginning of the programme, a documentary on the life and works of Ziaur Rahman was screened.  

Speakers recalled with respect Ziaur Rahman's role in the Liberation War, his leadership in state affairs, introduction of multi-party democracy, agricultural and economic development initiatives, expansion of international relations, and contributions to media development.

BCIT Chief Executive said during Ziaur Rahman's tenure, Bangladesh's diplomatic ties with the Muslim world were strengthened, initiatives were taken to establish SAARC, and the foundation for growth in the remittance sector was laid.

Press Institute of Bangladesh Director General Faruk Wasif said the country began advancing as an effective and confident state during Ziaur Rahman's leadership, particularly through grassroots expansion of development activities.

Director General of the Department of Mass Communication Abdul Jalil, Director General of the Press Institute of Bangladesh Faruk Wasif, Director General of the Department of Films and Publications Khaleda Begum, Director General of Bangladesh Film Archive Javed Iqbal, Vice Chairman of Bangladesh Film Certification Board S M Abdur Rahman, Additional Director General of Bangladesh Betar Shahnaz Begum and Md Shariful Kader, and Additional Director General of National Institute of Mass Communication Raunok Jahan, also addressed the discussion. 

Bangladesh Betar Additional Director General said Ziaur Rahman played a historic role by proclaiming independence during a critical period of the Liberation War and later strengthened the foundation of multi-party democracy.

The Director General of the Department of Mass Communication said Ziaur Rahman would be remembered as a visionary leader in Bangladesh's nation-building history, whose initiatives continue to inspire development efforts.

NIMC DG Muhammad Hiruzzaman said Ziaur Rahman's courage in standing for independence remains historically significant, adding that he made notable contributions to multi-party democracy, economic progress and press freedom.

The programme concluded with a special doa seeking eternal peace for the departed soul of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.