Dhaka: General Secretary of the Biplobi Workers Party (BWP) of Bangladesh, Saiful Haque, has emphasized the significant role played by former President Ziaur Rahman in introducing multi-party politics in Bangladesh, urging all political parties to draw lessons from his leadership. In an interview with BSS marking the 45th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Haque highlighted Rahman’s principal political objective of uniting the people.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Saiful Haque remarked on Ziaur Rahman’s efforts to move forward with a nationalistic ideology that embraced not only the Bengali ethnic group but also various communities from both hills and plains, fostering a sense of Bangladeshi nationalism. He noted that the principle of ‘Nationalism’ in the constitution was given a practical political shape during Ziaur Rahman’s presidency.
Saiful Haque reflected on Ziaur Rahman’s emergence on the political landscape, despite being a military ruler, through a series of events that led to the abolition of the BAKSAL system and the establishment of multi-party politics. He recounted the challenging period of Bangladesh’s history, marked by misrule, coups, and counter-coups, leading up to Ziaur Rahman’s efforts to restore discipline within the armed forces following the soldiers’ uprising on November 7, 1975.
Haque stated that Ziaur Rahman pursued a political framework that included diverse groups, forming a party that was not limited to any particular class or group. This approach laid the foundation for what the BNP now describes as a ‘rainbow nation.’ He highlighted the significance of the first ‘yes-no’ vote and the parliamentary election of 1979 held during Rahman’s presidency, which initiated a multi-party democratic process.
Despite Ziaur Rahman’s assassination in 1981, Haque acknowledged his significant initiatives concerning state affairs, national unity, and pluralism during his brief rule. He observed that post-1971 Bangladesh faced disappointment and division, but efforts to rebuild the nation economically, socially, and culturally began with a progressive nationalistic vision, leading to the introduction of the 19-point programme.
Haque elaborated on the historical significance of the 19-point programme, which addressed areas such as infrastructure, education, health, and social development. He noted its influence on subsequent political agendas, including the BNP’s 27-point programme of 2022, which evolved into a 31-point framework during a collaborative movement against the Awami League government.
Saiful Haque praised Ziaur Rahman’s hands-on work culture, citing his nationwide canal excavation programmes and the Ulshi-Jadunath project in Jashore, which significantly advanced agriculture. He credited Rahman with the establishment of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and fostering industrial development, including the promotion of the ready-made garments sector.
Haque described Ziaur Rahman as a freedom fighter whose declaration of independence inspired the nation during the Liberation War. He criticized the Awami League for allegedly reshaping history and underscored Rahman’s crucial role as a sector commander.
He recounted the turbulent period following August 15, 1975, when Ziaur Rahman was arrested, and the military chain of command collapsed, leading to a failed counter-coup. Despite these challenges, Rahman restored military discipline and played a crucial role in rebuilding the armed forces.
Saiful Haque lauded Ziaur Rahman as a patriotic leader and a symbol of national unity, emphasizing his simple lifestyle and service-oriented approach to politics. He expressed hope that current and future leaders would learn from Ziaur Rahman’s positive contributions to the nation. Paying tribute on his martyrdom anniversary, Haque affirmed that Ziaur Rahman would remain an enduring source of inspiration.