Dr. Humayer Chowdhury: Who knew that a handsome boy named Komol, born in 1936 in Baghbari village of Bogra district, would one day emerge as the saviour of our country. After joining the Military Academy in 1953, this talented boy served in the East Bengal Regiment in 1957 and later in the Military Intelligence Branch from 1959-1964.
In 1971, inspired by the call for freedom, he rose in revolt and boldly declared independence. Taking up arms as the commander of the legendary ‘Z Force,’ he led with unwavering courage in the ranks of the liberation fighters. Ziaur Rahman’s heroism earned him two distinguished gallantry awards: the Hilal-i-Jurat for his Valor in the Indo-Pak War of 1965, and the Bir Uttom in 1972, in recognition of his extraordinary bravery during the Liberation War.
After taking charge of the country in 1975, Shahid President Ziaur Rahman wanted to increase public welfare through socialist welfare programs by establishing state control over the factors of production and decentralizing the distribution system. His belief in liberal democracy was very firm and strong. Ziaur Rahman’s pace was therefore determined towards the establishment of multi-party democracy and its ancillary activities.
What is most needed in Bangladesh today is the good use of Shahid Zia’s sky-high qualities, his concentration on building society, his strong hatred for corruption, his deep attraction for good governance, his strong steps to create a peaceful environment.
Shahid Zia had a strong desire to indulge creative convictions through meditation rather than muscle. It is in view of these needs that the community demands Shaheed Zia’s strength, his intelligence, his honesty, his faith, his foresight, his power, and his patriotism. Ziaur Rahman is well known to the people of Bangladesh as well as the world community as the herald of Bangladesh’s independence. Later on 7th November 1975, this event known as National Solidarity Day made him the main leader of future Bangladesh.
Although Ziaur Rahman’s reign ended with his assassination on May 30, 1981, his enviable personality and charismatic leadership, ideas and contribution to the socio-economic, political and administrative fields of Bangladesh transformed him into an iconic figure of Bangladeshi politics.
The innovative and charismatic steps taken by Shahid Zia in nation building are:
Key Pillars of National Vision
- Dismantling Barriers to Democracy – Advancing constitutional reforms to uphold democratic values and honour the legacy of the freedom struggle.
- Driving Economic Revival – Initiating comprehensive efforts to rejuvenate the economy and ensure sustainable growth.
- Building Transparent Governance – Establishing a clean, accountable, and efficient administrative system.
- Boosting Employment – Generating job opportunities to empower citizens and reduce poverty.
- Alleviating Urban Hardship – Tackling urban issues to improve quality of life.
- Strengthening Law and Order – Enhancing security and justice to elevate living standards.
- Zia’s 19-Point Programme – A transformative roadmap for national progress and reform.
- Upholding Workers’ Rights – Safeguarding democratic rights and dignity of the labour force.
Foundational Ideals
- Central Role of Islam – Upholding justice, peace, and unity through the guiding principles of Islam in national life.
- National Identity and Unity – Reinforcing patriotism and collective purpose.
- Political Cohesion – Fostering unity across parties and institutions for stable governance.
- Balanced Economy – Encouraging a mixed economy combining public and private sector strengths.
- Commitment to Democracy – Ensuring participatory governance and free institutions.
- Freedom of Press & Rights – Guaranteeing civil liberties and media freedom.
- Empowering the Military – Building a modern, capable, and patriotic defence force.
- Independent Judiciary – Ensuring justice through a strong and impartial legal system.
- People’s Sovereignty – Placing ultimate power in the hands of the citizens.
- Proactive Foreign Policy – Engaging globally with dignity and national interest.
- Public Mandate – Drawing strength from the people’s trust and support.
People usually don’t remember military rulers after they are gone. But in the case of Ziaur Rahman, this practice proved wrong. The dreams, inputs and outputs of this military ruler made him the pulse of the people of sovereign Bangladesh.
This year, the people of Bangladesh commemorated the death anniversary of this extraordinary and iconic figure with renewed passion and pride, breaking free from years of silence and suppression under the fallen regime of Sheikh Hasina.
We pay our deepest respects to this visionary, bold, and unconventional leader whose legacy continues to inspire generations.
May the Almighty grant him eternal honour and dignity in the hereafter.