President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Friday said 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 self-reliant Bangladesh and enduring ideals would continue to inspire the younger generation, he added.
The President said this in a message issued on the eve of the 45th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.
Paying profound respect to the memory of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the President said he (Zia) 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.
The President said at the very beginning of the Great War of Liberation in 1971, Ziaur Rahman called upon the nation to wage armed struggle against the Pakistani occupation forces in the early hours of March 26.
He said Ziaur Rahman’s declaration of independence and call for resistance inspired the entire nation to actively participate in the Great War of Liberation. For his extraordinary courage and contribution to the war, he was awarded with the gallantry title of ‘Bir Uttam’, he added.
The President said after assuming state power, Ziaur Rahman established multi-party democracy in the country, ensured freedom of speech and the press, and united the nation under the spirit of Bangladeshi nationalism.
He said Ziaur Rahman undertook multifaceted plans and landmark programmes to accelerate the country’s 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, the President added.
He also said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman adopted a balanced foreign policy to uphold Bangladesh’s interests in the international arena and played a significant role in opening overseas labour markets, particularly in the Middle East.
The President further said although Ziaur Rahman had a relatively short tenure in state leadership, he advanced the country with deep patriotism, justice, dedication and farsightedness, which still remains a shining example in the history.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
