Ziaur Rahman

Ziaur Rahman (19 January 1936 – 30 May 1981) was a Bangladeshi military officer, statesman, and politician who served as the President of Bangladesh from 1977 until his assassination in 1981. He is also the founder of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), one of the country’s two major political parties.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Birth: 19 January 1936, in Bagbari, Bogra District, then part of British India (now Bangladesh)
Education: Studied in local schools in Bogra; later attended the Pakistan Military Academy
Military Career: Commissioned into the Pakistan Army in 1953; later served in the East Bengal Regiment

Role in Bangladesh Liberation War (1971)[edit | edit source]

During the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, Ziaur Rahman played a significant role:

Declared Bangladesh’s independence on behalf of the provisional government from the Kalurghat Radio Station in Chittagong, broadcasting a message that galvanized resistance.
Commanded military operations in sectors of the Mukti Bahini (Bangladeshi guerrilla forces).
His leadership in organizing military resistance earned him national recognition.

Political Career[edit | edit source]

Rise to Power[edit | edit source]

After Bangladesh gained independence in 1971, Ziaur Rahman rose through military ranks.
He became Chief of Army Staff in the mid-1970s.
Following political instability and coups after the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975, Ziaur Rahman assumed de facto control and was formally sworn in as President in April 1977.

Presidency (1977–1981)[edit | edit source]

Key aspects of Ziaur Rahman’s tenure:

Political Stabilization: Restored order after a period of coups and unrest.
Economic Reforms: Introduced market-oriented policies, encouraged private sector development, and promoted rural and agricultural growth.
Foreign Policy: Pursued balanced relations with India, the US, China, and other countries.
Institutional Development: Strengthened civil administration and governance structures.

Founding of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)[edit | edit source]

In 1978, Ziaur Rahman founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party - BNP to institutionalize multi-party politics and offer a platform for national unity.
The party emphasized Bangladeshi nationalism, conservatism, and parliamentary democracy.
BNP remains one of the two dominant parties in Bangladesh.

Assassination[edit | edit source]

On 30 May 1981, Ziaur Rahman was assassinated in Chittagong during a failed military coup.
His death created a period of political uncertainty, eventually leading to the succession of Abdus Sattar as President.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Ziaur Rahman is remembered for:

Founding the Bangladesh Nationalist Party
Stabilizing Bangladesh politically and economically after a turbulent period
Promoting market-oriented economic policies and administrative reforms
His symbolic role in the Liberation War, including the independence declaration

His legacy remains influential in Bangladeshi politics, particularly through BNP and its leadership.