Shaheed Zia’s Ideals Will Inspire the New Generation

President Mohammed Shahabuddin has said the simple and selfless life, strong personality, unquestionable integrity, and identity of Ziaur Rahman as a pragmatic and energetic statesman will remain forever alive in the hearts of the people.

He made the remarks in a message issued on the occasion of the 45th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.

In his message, the President expressed hope that Shaheed Zia’s eventful life, profound patriotism, uncompromising stance against corruption, steadfast commitment to justice and fairness, vision of self-reliant development, and life philosophy would continue to be a lasting source of inspiration for the younger generation.

Paying deep respect, the Head of State said that the nation would remember with reverence his extraordinary contributions as a heroic commander of the Great Liberation War, the announcer of independence, the introducer of multiparty democracy, the architect of modern Bangladesh, and a far-sighted statesman. He recalled that on 30 May 1981, Ziaur Rahman was brutally martyred at the Chittagong Circuit House as a victim of a deep anti-national conspiracy.

The message noted that in the early hours of the Great Liberation War, at the first moment of 26 March, he called upon the nation to take up armed resistance against the Pakistani occupying forces. His call and declaration of independence inspired the entire nation to actively participate in the Liberation War. In recognition of his exceptional bravery and contribution to the war, he was awarded the Bir Uttom gallantry award.

Highlighting Shaheed Zia’s contributions to state governance, the President said that upon assuming responsibility, Ziaur Rahman established multiparty democracy in the country, ensured freedom of speech, expression, and the press, and united the whole nation under the spirit of Bangladeshi nationalism.

He further mentioned that Ziaur Rahman undertook multifaceted plans and groundbreaking programs to promote socio-economic development, investment and export growth, self-reliance, and improvement of people’s living standards. His declared 19-point program served as a blueprint for building a productive and self-reliant Bangladesh.

Regarding Bangladesh’s position in the international arena, the President remarked that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman adopted a balanced foreign policy to uphold the country’s national interests globally. His role was also significant in opening up labor markets for Bangladesh in the Middle East and other regions.

The message concluded that although he had a relatively short time to govern the country, Ziaur Rahman led Bangladesh forward with deep patriotism, a strong sense of justice, dedication to duty, and visionary leadership—an enduring and shining example even today, President Mohammed Shahabuddin stated.