Dhaka: The 44th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman is being observed in the country today with due respect. The proclaimer of Bangladesh’s independence and pioneer of multi-party democracy, Rahman, who also served as a sector commander during the War of Liberation and led the “Z Force,” was assassinated on May 30, 1981, by a group of disgruntled army officers at Chittagong Circuit House.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, to commemorate the day, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its affiliated organizations have organized an eight-day series of programmes to honor the founder of their party. Under Ziaur Rahman’s leadership, BNP evolved into one of Bangladesh’s leading political parties.
The commemorative events include discussion meetings, publication of posters and special supplements, wearing black badges, hoisting black flags, placing wreaths at Rahman’s grave, and distributing food and clothes to the underprivileged. These activities commenced on May 25 and will conclude on June 2. A key event today was a discussion meeting held at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) auditorium, where senior party leaders and distinguished guests spoke about Rahman’s contributions to Bangladesh’s progress and prosperity.
As part of the tribute, BNP will lower its party flag to half-mast and hoist black flags at its central office in Nayapaltan and other offices nationwide on Friday morning. Party leaders and activists will wear black badges as a sign of mourning. Floral tributes will also be offered at Ziaur Rahman’s grave in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar at 10:30 AM, followed by the distribution of food and clothes by BNP’s Dhaka north and south city units in various locations, with senior leaders present.
Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman played a pivotal role in building a self-reliant Bangladesh through initiatives such as canal-digging programmes, the Green Revolution, industrial development, and the introduction of a modern economic system. His efforts in women’s empowerment and child development provided new direction to the nation, earning widespread admiration for his honesty, dedication, and patriotism.
During his presidency, Rahman transitioned Bangladesh from a one-party ruling system to a multi-party democracy, marking a fundamental political shift. His administration’s 19-point programmes encompassed economic, political, and social reforms aimed at increasing agricultural production, controlling population growth, achieving food self-sufficiency, decentralizing administration, and promoting private sector industrial growth. Notable initiatives included canal-digging and the establishment of village government systems.
While leading the nation towards progress, Rahman faced domestic and international conspiracies aimed at reversing the country’s advancements. On May 29, 1981, he traveled to Chattogram on an official visit. In the early hours of May 30, he was assassinated at the Chattogram Circuit House by misguided military personnel. The conspirators initially buried his body in the remote jungles of Raozan. It was recovered three days later and reinterred in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.