DHAKA, May 29,  (V7N) — On the eve of the 44th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir paid rich tribute to the party’s founder, praising his enduring legacy as a statesman, war hero, and architect of modern Bangladesh.

In a commemorative message, Fakhrul described Ziaur Rahman as the declarer of Bangladesh's independence, the restorer of multi-party democracy, and a leader who “stood tall in the nation’s most critical moments.”

“Shaheed Zia’s ideals, philosophy, and programs remain the safeguards of our independence, sovereignty, and democracy,” Fakhrul said.

He recounted Zia’s historic declaration of independence from Kalurghat on March 26, 1971, which inspired a nation ready for liberation but paralyzed by indecision. His leadership, both during and after the Liberation War, is credited with galvanizing national unity and rebuilding the country from crisis.

Fakhrul criticized the post-independence political environment, alleging that the nation was “crushed under an undemocratic and authoritarian regime” until Ziaur Rahman emerged to restore democracy, press freedom, and civil liberties.

The BNP leader also highlighted Zia’s economic reforms, saying he launched a “politics of production” that strengthened Bangladesh’s economy and turned it into a food-exporting nation. He described Zia as a man of personal integrity, rejecting corruption and opportunism.

Fakhrul said domestic and foreign conspirators never accepted Ziaur Rahman’s popularity, leading to his assassination on May 30, 1981, at the Chittagong Circuit House. However, he added, Zia’s ideals live on in the hearts of the people.

 “No conspiracy can erase Zia from history. His legacy continues to inspire nationalist forces,” he declared.

Turning to recent political developments, Fakhrul accused the Awami League of ruling with fascism for sixteen years, alleging widespread corruption, repression, and money laundering. He claimed that on August 5, 2024, the people, led by students and pro-democracy forces, had toppled Sheikh Hasina’s regime.

Calling for national unity, Fakhrul said the current goal is to establish permanent democracy through free elections, transparency, and accountability. He urged all party supporters and citizens to uphold the ideals of Ziaur Rahman and to observe his martyrdom anniversary with dignity and wide participation.

 “Shaheed Zia remains an eternal inspiration for his patriotism, honesty, and dedication to duty,” Fakhrul concluded.

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