Dhaka: A discussion and doa mahfil were held today to mark the 45th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, who proclaimed the country's independence. The event was jointly organized by the Bangladesh Cinema and Television Institute (BCIT) and the National Institute of Mass Communication (NIMC).
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, NIMC Director General (Additional Secretary) Muhammad Hiruzzaman presided over the discussion, while BCIT Chief Executive Abu Kalam Mohammad Shamsuddin delivered the welcome speech. At the beginning of the program, a documentary highlighting Ziaur Rahman's life and works was screened.
Speakers at the event paid their respects to Ziaur Rahman, acknowledging his role in the Liberation War, leadership in state affairs, introduction of multi-party democracy, and his contributions to agricultural and economic development, as well as media development. BCIT Chief Executive noted that during Ziaur Rahman's tenure, Bangladesh strengthened its diplomatic ties with the Muslim world, initiated the establishment of SAARC, and laid the foundation for growth in the remittance sector.
Press Institute of Bangladesh Director General Faruk Wasif highlighted that under Ziaur Rahman's leadership, the country advanced as an effective and confident state, especially through grassroots expansion of development activities. Other notable speakers included Director General of the Department of Mass Communication Abdul Jalil, Director General of the Press Institute of Bangladesh Faruk Wasif, and Director General of the Department of Films and Publications Khaleda Begum, among others.
Bangladesh Betar Additional Director General emphasized Ziaur Rahman's historic role in proclaiming independence during the Liberation War and his efforts to strengthen multi-party democracy. The Director General of the Department of Mass Communication remarked that Ziaur Rahman remains a visionary leader in Bangladesh's nation-building history, inspiring current development efforts.
NIMC Director General Muhammad Hiruzzaman concluded that Ziaur Rahman's courage in advocating for independence holds historical significance. He added that Ziaur Rahman made notable contributions to multi-party democracy, economic progress, and press freedom. The programme concluded with a special doa seeking eternal peace for Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman's departed soul.