Khulna: BNP information secretary Azizul Bari Helal today attributed the driving force behind Bangladesh’s War of Independence to the ideals of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. Helal made these remarks during a discussion and doa mahfil held in Dighalia upazila of Khulna to commemorate the birth anniversary of Ziaur Rahman.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Helal emphasized Ziaur Rahman’s courageous leadership, patriotism, and visionary decisions, which united the nation and guided it towards independence. Born on January 19, 1936, Ziaur Rahman was noted as a valiant freedom fighter and a prominent statesman, fondly referred to as the “Rakhal Raja of Bengal” for his connection with ordinary people.
Helal recalled the events of the War of Liberation, highlighting the Pakistan military’s “Operation Searchlight” on March 25, 1971, which targeted unarmed civilians in East Pakistan. He stated that on that night, Major Ziaur Rahman’s revolt against the Pakistan army significantly altered the course of the Liberation War.
Helal further recounted that on March 26, 1971, Ziaur Rahman declared Bangladesh’s independence from the Kalurghat Radio Station in Chattogram, providing clear direction and momentum to the liberation effort. He added that Ziaur Rahman later fought in Chattogram and Noakhali before crossing the border to organize resistance strategically. His contributions earned him the country’s second-highest gallantry award, Bir Uttam.
The event was presided over by Dighalia Upazila BNP President Molla Saifur Rahman Mintu and saw attendance from local educators, professionals, and BNP leaders and activists. Similar discussions and doa mahfils were also organized in Terokhada and Rupsha upazilas of Khulna to honor Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman’s birth anniversary.