Dhaka: Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today highlighted Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman as a symbol of Bangladesh's independence, sovereignty, and the individuality of its people. He emphasized Ziaur Rahman's role in creating a unique national identity in a short span of time.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Mirza Fakhrul, also BNP Secretary General, made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion and newspaper exhibition held at the auditorium of the Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB) in Dhaka. The event was organized by the PIB and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to commemorate the 45th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam. The discussion was titled "Ziaur Rahman's Independent Non-Aligned Diplomacy in the Present Context."
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon, MP, chaired the programme, with a keynote paper presented by Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) President Major General A N M Muniruzzaman (retd). Special guest Economist Dr Mushtaq Khan from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, also addressed the gathering.
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir recounted the critical moment in 1971 when Ziaur Rahman declared rebellion against Pakistan from Chattogram, initiating the Liberation War. He condemned the brutality of the Pakistani forces and shared his personal experiences witnessing the war and the exploitation faced by the people.
Fakhrul emphasized the BNP's commitment to liberal democracy, stating that Ziaur Rahman's politics focused on unity and reconciliation. He noted that Ziaur Rahman successfully established friendly diplomacy with all nations, which is a legacy continued by incumbent Prime Minister Tarique Rahman with the aim of building a self-reliant Bangladesh.
The event saw participation from notable figures including PIB Director General Faruk Wasif, Editor of Bangladesh Defence Journal Abu Rushd, Executive Director of BRAIN Dr Shafikur Rahman, and other distinguished guests from various organizations.