Dhaka: Political analyst Maruf Kamal Khan today said the groundbreaking role played by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman Bir Uttam in nation building in a very short time is truly astonishing. Zia is still relevant due to his timeless ideals and his timeless ideology should be followed to take the country forward, he told BSS in an interview on the eve of Ziaur Rahman’s 44th martyrdom anniversary.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Maruf Kamal emphasized the uniqueness of Ziaur Rahman’s leadership in South Asia over the past few decades. He asserted that Ziaur Rahman, by leading a fragile state, established himself at a higher level than many leaders of powerful countries. Maruf Kamal described Ziaur Rahman as a symbol of honesty, courage, valor, modesty, patriotism, generosity, greatness, tolerance, restraint, and foresightedness.
Maruf Kamal highlighted Ziaur Rahman’s unique character, which blended firmness and softness. He noted that Zia’s extraordinary achievements in his short life of just 45 and a half years could have made him unforgettable in history. During the Pakistan era, Zia challenged the perception of Bengalis as a non-marshal race through his role in the 1965 Indo-Pak war, which inspired Bengali soldiers for the liberation war.
The political analyst recounted how Ziaur Rahman initiated the liberation war by declaring independence on the radio in 1971. He emphasized that Zia elevated the Bengali rebellion to a legitimate revolution and a war of liberation. Maruf Kamal credited Zia with achieving state sovereignty for Bangladesh and establishing a dignified national identity through Bangladeshi nationalism.
Maruf Kamal acknowledged Ziaur Rahman as the embodiment of multi-party democracy, bringing various political parties back to systematic politics. He explained that Zia empowered the people through referendums on fundamental issues and ensured freedom of speech, the press, and the judiciary. Zia declared that production and development should be the motto of politics, launching campaigns to uplift the people.
Ziaur Rahman was recognized for pioneering the garment industry, exporting manpower, revolutionizing agriculture, and promoting women’s participation in nation-building. Maruf Kamal noted Zia’s emphasis on religious values while discouraging communalism, integrating people from hilly regions into the mainstream, and fulfilling basic needs through the 19-point program.
Maruf Kamal praised Ziaur Rahman’s role in improving law and order, national security, and strengthening the armed forces. He highlighted Zia’s efforts in establishing unity among the Muslim Ummah and resolving international issues. Zia’s diplomatic leadership, including water-sharing negotiations with India and envisioning SAARC for regional cooperation, was commended.
Maruf Kamal concluded by identifying Zia as the architect of modern Bangladesh, having established the traditions and institutions necessary to strengthen the state. He asserted that Zia’s timeless ideology should guide the country’s future progress and encouraged the practice of his ideals and philosophy.