DHAKA, May 29, (V7N )— President Mohammed Shahabuddin today said the simple and selfless life, strong personality, unquestionable integrity, and pragmatic statesmanship of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman would remain eternally alive in the hearts of the people.
Zia’s eventful life, profound patriotism, uncompromising stance against corruption, commitment to justice and fairness, vision of a self-reliant Bangladesh, and enduring ideals would continue to inspire the younger generation, he added.
The President made the remarks in a message issued on the eve of the 45th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.
Paying profound respect to Ziaur Rahman’s memory, the President said he fell victim to a deep-rooted anti-state conspiracy and was brutally assassinated at the Chattogram Circuit House on May 30, 1981.
Shahabuddin said the nation would remember with deep respect his outstanding contributions as a valiant freedom fighter, proclaimer of independence, introducer of multi-party democracy, architect of modern Bangladesh, and a visionary statesman.
He noted that at the start of the Great War of Liberation in 1971, Ziaur Rahman called upon the nation to wage armed struggle against Pakistani occupation forces in the early hours of March 26.
Ziaur Rahman’s declaration of independence and call for resistance inspired the entire nation to take part in the Liberation War, the President said. For his extraordinary courage and contribution, he was awarded the gallantry title ‘Bir Uttam’.
After assuming state power, Ziaur Rahman established multi-party democracy, ensured freedom of speech and the press, and united the nation under the spirit of Bangladeshi nationalism, the President said.
He undertook multifaceted plans and landmark programmes to accelerate socio-economic development, boost investment and export growth, attain self-reliance, and improve people’s living standards.
His 19-point programme was a roadmap for building a productive and self-reliant Bangladesh, Shahabuddin added.
The President also said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman adopted a balanced foreign policy to uphold Bangladesh’s interests internationally and played a significant role in opening overseas labour markets, particularly in the Middle East.
Although Ziaur Rahman had a relatively short tenure in state leadership, he advanced the country with deep patriotism, justice, dedication, and farsightedness, which remains a shining example in history, the President said.
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