The most prominent statesman of Bangladesh in the aftermath of 1971 has undeniably been a pivotal figure in our history at this critical juncture. He was born on January 19, 1936, in Bogura, trained at the Pakistan Military Academy, and played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s independence by taking the bold step of killing his commander and subsequently declaring independence on March 26, 1971, from the Chottogram radio station. In 1981, Bangladesh lost an unforgettable soul in Chottogram, where he is remembered with the highest honors. Ziaur Rahman, despite his background as an Army General, emerged as a leader who championed a political landscape free from corruption, nepotism, and the criminal activities that plagued politicians. The youth during the July Revolution not only stood against all forces opposing freedom but also confronted the criminal elements within the state that compromised national security and allowed numerous deadly incidents to occur. Following Ziaur Rahman was his late wife, Begum Khaleda Zia, who was forever seen as a “non-compromising” leader. Zia’s legacies have been embraced by individuals from all walks of life, particularly among religious and conservative politicians who aspired for a leader like him to counter all forms of imperialist influences. It is now crucial for his only living son, the legendary leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Tarique Rahman, to follow in his parents’ footsteps and seek common ground with those who have resisted the fascist regime of Hasina for the past 16 years. Ziaur Rahman is not the property of any single party or group; let him be an idol for all.
