Dhaka: The 44th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman is set to be observed tomorrow with solemn respect across Bangladesh. A key figure in the nation’s history, Ziaur Rahman, who proclaimed Bangladesh’s independence and was a pioneer of multi-party democracy, was assassinated on May 30, 1981, by a faction of disgruntled army officers at Chittagong Circuit House.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its affiliated organizations have organized an eight-day series of events to honor their party’s founder. These events include discussion meetings, the publication of posters and special supplements, wearing black badges, hoisting black flags, placing wreaths and offering prayers at Ziaur Rahman’s grave, and distributing food and clothing to the underprivileged.
The commemorative activities began on May 26 and will continue until June 2. As part of these observances, a discussion meeting took place today at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) auditorium. Senior BNP leaders and distinguished guests spoke, underscoring Ziaur Rahman’s contributions to Bangladesh’s progress and prosperity.
Tomorrow, the BNP will lower its party flag to half-mast and hoist black flags at its central office in Nayapaltan, Dhaka, as well as other offices nationwide starting at 6:00 AM. Party leaders and activists will don black badges in tribute. Floral tributes will be laid at Ziaur Rahman’s grave in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar at 10:30 AM. Additionally, BNP’s Dhaka north and south city units will distribute food and clothes at various locations with senior leaders in attendance.
Ziaur Rahman’s leadership was pivotal in fostering a self-reliant Bangladesh through initiatives like canal-digging programmes, the Green Revolution, and industrial development. He introduced a modern economic system and championed women’s empowerment and child development, earning widespread admiration for his integrity and patriotism.
During his tenure as president, Ziaur Rahman transitioned Bangladesh from a one-party rule to a multi-party democracy, marking a significant shift in the political landscape. His administration was known for the 19-point programmes, which focused on economic, political, and social reforms. These initiatives aimed to boost agricultural production, control population growth, achieve food self-sufficiency, decentralize administration, and promote private sector industrial growth. Notable projects included canal-digging and establishing village government systems.
As Ziaur Rahman led the nation toward progress, he encountered both domestic and international conspiracies aimed at reversing the country’s advancements. On May 29, 1981, while on an official visit to Chattogram, he was assassinated at the Chattogram Circuit House by a group of misguided military personnel. His body was initially buried in the remote jungles of Raozan but was recovered after three days and reinterred in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.