Dhaka: BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir praised Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman as a rare patriotic leader and nation-builder during a publication ceremony organized by the Press Institute, Bangladesh. Fakhrul emphasized Ziaur Rahman’s dedication to the nation, highlighting his contributions across various sectors including agriculture, industry, economy, literature, and culture.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Fakhrul, speaking as the chief guest, described Ziaur Rahman’s cabinet as the ‘Galaxy of Intellectuals,’ bringing together the best minds to advance the country. He credited Ziaur Rahman with transforming the devastated economy into a potentially prosperous one and establishing balanced diplomatic ties with major global powers.
Fakhrul also reflected on the 1979 parliamentary election, noting its inclusive nature which allowed diverse opinions and ideologies to participate, setting a precedent for a consensus-based legislature. He commended Ziaur Rahman’s honesty, discipline, and his fight against corruption and nepotism.
Mirza Fakhrul claimed that those opposed to Bangladesh’s progress were behind Ziaur Rahman’s assassination and continue to conspire against the nation. He stressed the importance of embracing Ziaur Rahman’s philosophy of nationalism for the country’s future.
Economist Prof Mahbub Ullah, who presided over the event, praised Ziaur Rahman’s contributions to statecraft, expressing doubt over the emergence of a similar visionary. He emphasized the detrimental impact of using national institutions for partisan interests, a practice Ziaur Rahman opposed.
Faruk Wasif, the event’s moderator, highlighted the collective nature of the July mass uprising, which united people from all walks of life. He described Ziaur Rahman as a successful statesman and the first freedom fighter to serve as the head of state in independent Bangladesh.
The event also featured speeches from BNP Acting Chairman’s Adviser Mahdi Amin and BRAIN Executive Director Dr. Shafiqur Rahman.