DHAKA, March 26, (V7N) –  Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today strongly defended the contributions of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, describing him as an inevitable figure in Bangladesh’s independence and Liberation War.  

“The way through which attempts were made in the past to humiliate Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and deny his contribution and work has proven that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman is certainly an inevitable character in the Liberation War of Bangladesh,” he said while addressing a discussion at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) auditorium.  

Organised by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on the occasion of Independence and National Day, the discussion was chaired by BNP Secretary General and LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.  

Highlighting Ziaur Rahman’s proclamation of independence, Tarique Rahman said Zia had long nurtured the vision of a sovereign Bangladesh, citing his article “Birth of a Nation” published in Dainik Bangla on March 26, 1972. He noted that the article was never challenged at the time and was later reprinted in 1974 without objection.  

The Prime Minister said attempts to diminish Ziaur Rahman’s role were politically motivated, but history proves his contribution. He paid tribute to all martyrs of 1971, recalled war-wounded freedom fighters, and emphasized that while the past must not be forgotten, over-focusing on it can hinder future progress.  

Referring to the struggle of Palestinians, he said only those who fought for freedom can truly understand its worth. “At the cost of millions of lives, we achieved our independence in 1971 and at the cost of thousands of lives we protected the country and the independence in 2024,” he added.  

Tarique Rahman stressed unity in building a self-reliant Bangladesh, citing government initiatives such as family cards, farmer cards, canal excavation, tree plantation, and employment creation programmes. “Let our pledge for this Independence Day be that we will live well in this country, not just as a part of society, but as people from all walks of life,” he said.  

BNP Standing Committee members Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Adviser Nazrul Islam Khan, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed also spoke. Educationist Professor Wakil Ahmed, Economist Professor Mahbub Ullah, UGC Chairman Professor Mamun Ahmed, and Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr ABM Obaidul Islam joined the discussion.  

END/AJ/RH