Farrukh Khosru:
Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman (1936-1981) stands as one of the most significant and influential figures in Bangladesh’s history. He served as the country’s President and Chief of Army Staff, playing a crucial role in the War of Independence.
His most significant contribution came during the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. Following the military crackdown on 25 March 1971 and the arrest of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the nation was left without clear leadership.
At this critical juncture, Major Zia led the Eighth East Bengal Regiment in revolting against the Pakistan Army. On the night between 26 and 27 March 1971, Ziaur Rahman declared the independence of Bangladesh from Chittagong. This historic announcement provided the people with a clear call to arms and helped mobilise resistance against the occupying forces.
Throughout the nine-month war, Ziaur Rahman displayed exceptional leadership. Initially commanding Sector I, he later led the Z-Force, earning the prestigious gallantry award, Bir Uttam, for his bravery.
After Bangladesh achieved independence, Zia was appointed brigade commander in Comilla and, by 1972, became Deputy Chief of Staff of the Bangladesh Armed Forces. He rapidly rose through the ranks, becoming Chief of Army Staff on 25 August 1975 following a period of political turmoil.
Born on 19 January 1936 in Bagbari, Bogra, his early years were spent between rural Bogra and Calcutta. After the Partition of India in 1947, Zia moved to Karachi where he completed his secondary education in 1952. He joined the Pakistan Military Academy in 1953 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1955. He later transferred to the East Bengal Regiment in 1957 and gained distinction during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.
Zia’s political ascent continued when he became Chief Martial Law Administrator on 7 November 1975 after a successful military uprising, known as the Sepoy-Janata Biplob. By 21 April 1977, he assumed the presidency following the resignation of Justice Sayem. As President, Zia introduced significant amendments to the Constitution, including the insertion of “Bismillah-ir-Rahmanir-Rahim” in the Preamble and the declaration of “absolute trust and faith in the Almighty Allah.” He also promoted Bangladeshi nationalism, focusing on unifying all citizens regardless of ethnicity, religion, or culture.
Ziaur Rahman prioritised restoring law and order and strengthening the military and police forces. He facilitated the revival of political parties and reinstated press freedom. In 1978, he founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and won the presidential election with a sweeping majority of 76.67 per cent of the votes. Under his leadership, the BNP secured 207 out of 300 seats in the 1979 parliamentary elections, and martial law was lifted with the enactment of the Fifth Amendment.
Zia implemented dynamic economic policies focusing on private sector development, agricultural growth, and self-reliance. His 19-point programme aimed at socio-economic transformation through rural uplift, population control, and industrial development. His initiatives, such as canal excavation, literacy drives, and the establishment of Gram Sarkar (village government), improved agricultural productivity and living standards. During his tenure, Bangladesh experienced impressive GDP growth and became self-sufficient in food production.
In foreign policy, Zia sought to strengthen Bangladesh’s sovereignty by fostering regional cooperation and establishing robust international relationships. His diplomatic efforts led to Bangladesh’s election to a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council in 1978. He also laid the groundwork for the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), which was formally established in 1985, four years after his death.
Ziaur Rahman was assassinated on 30 May 1981 during a failed military coup in Chittagong. He is buried at Sher-e-Banglanagar in Dhaka. His legacy as a freedom fighter, visionary leader, and architect of Bangladeshi nationalism remains deeply embedded in the country’s history.
