Dhaka: Political analyst and distinguished economist Prof Mahbub Ullah has described BNP founder and Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman as one of the leading nationalist leaders of the century, saying Zia played a pioneering role in rebuilding war-ravaged Bangladesh and placing the country on a strong economic and democratic foundation.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Prof Mahbub Ullah stated in an interview marking the 45th martyrdom anniversary of martyred President Ziaur Rahman that Zia was not only a political leader but also a visionary statesman and an architect of nation-building. From declaring independence to rebuilding war-ravaged Bangladesh, establishing multi-party democracy, and strengthening the foundations of agriculture and the economy, his contributions in every sphere were unique.
Ziaur Rahman was brutally killed by a group of bewildered army officers at the Chattogram Circuit House on May 30, 1981. Prof Mahbub Ullah remarked that with his death, Bangladesh seemed to have fallen silent. He was a leader who tried to build the Bangladeshi state with honesty, courage, intelligence, creativity, and deep patriotism.
Prof Mahbub Ullah noted that nationalist leaders throughout history have often faced opposition from imperialist and hegemonic forces. He drew parallels with leaders such as Congo's Patrice Lumumba, Algeria's Ahmed Ben Bella, Indonesia's Sukarno, and Libya's Muammar Gaddafi, who also became victims of conspiracies. Ziaur Rahman, he asserted, fell victim to a similar conspiracy.
Before Ziaur Rahman's martyrdom in 1981, various political campaigns had been orchestrated in the country aiming to isolate him from the people and question his patriotism. Movements centering on the return of Jamaat-e-Islami leader Ghulam Azam to the country and the formation of an 'Anti-Communalism Committee' at Dhaka University's TSC were used in attempts to portray Ziaur Rahman as a patron of anti-liberation and communal forces.
Simultaneously, propaganda was secretly spread within the army claiming that Ziaur Rahman was giving priority to repatriated officers from Pakistan over freedom fighter officers. The main objective of these campaigns was to question his patriotism and role in the Liberation War, creating an environment for a coup against him.
Prof Mahbub Ullah revealed that Ziaur Rahman had gone to Chattogram to resolve internal party conflicts. Despite warnings from the then DGFI chief about the tour, he remained firm in his decision. Eventually, he became the victim of a brutal assassination at the Chattogram Circuit House, causing an irreparable loss for Bangladesh.
Highlighting Ziaur Rahman's contribution to the Liberation War, Prof Mahbub Ullah mentioned that after the Pakistani military launched genocide on March 25, 1971, when the people of the country were shocked and directionless, Ziaur Rahman inspired the nation with new courage and confidence through his declaration of independence from the Kalurghat radio station.
Ziaur Rahman, who was then a major and unknown to ordinary people, became instantly known in every household through that declaration. People realized that the struggle had begun and that the country would one day become independent. History has rarely witnessed a nearly unknown military officer becoming the symbol of a nation's hope and resistance during a crisis through a single declaration.
Prof Mahbub Ullah also emphasized Ziaur Rahman's economic contributions. He stated that Bangladesh's current economy mainly stands on three pillars: agriculture, ready-made garments, and remittances. Ziaur Rahman played an important role in strengthening the foundations of these sectors.
After independence, Ziaur Rahman worked tirelessly to make Bangladesh's agriculture self-reliant. Initiatives such as expanding irrigation facilities, supplying improved seeds and fertilizers, increasing cultivation intensity, and organizing farmers were undertaken. He believed that Bangladesh would survive only if the villages survived.
The ready-made garment industry, a significant pillar of today's economy, also saw substantial growth due to Ziaur Rahman's efforts. He arranged training for garment workers with the assistance of a South Korean company and facilitated the growth of the sector through industry-friendly policies.
Ziaur Rahman also contributed to remittance earnings by creating overseas employment opportunities for Bangladeshi workers, building strong relations with Middle Eastern and other countries. The foundation he laid significantly supports the country's economy today.
On the issue of democracy, Prof Mahbub Ullah noted that despite being a military officer, Ziaur Rahman restored the democratic rights of the people. He introduced multi-party democracy, held elections, and encouraged political parties to participate in the electoral process.
Ziaur Rahman was a statesman who never hesitated to take necessary decisions in the interest of the country, Prof Mahbub Ullah concluded. Statesmen are distinguished by their foresight, depth of thinking, and firmness in decision-making, and Ziaur Rahman was such a leader.