BNP senior joint secretary general and Prime Minister's Political Adviser Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Saturday said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman emerged as a guide to liberation, a beacon of light and a lighthouse for the nation at every critical juncture in the country's history.
He said Ziaur Rahman had charted a clear course for Bangladesh through his declaration of independence, establishment of multi-party democracy, economic reconstruction and formulation of an independent foreign policy.
Rizvi made the remarks while addressing a food distribution programme held in front of the High Court marking the 45th martyrdom anniversary of the proclaimer of independence, BNP founder, proponent of multi-party democracy Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.
Rizvi said that in 1971, when the people of the country were prepared for independence but lacked political direction, Major Ziaur Rahman declared the independence of Bangladesh from the Kalurghat Radio Station in Chattogram. Inspired by that declaration, students, workers and ordinary people joined the Liberation War, he added.
He said former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the ousted Awami League government had attempted to distort the history of independence and conducted propaganda campaigns to diminish Ziaur Rahman's contribution.
He said BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia had been imprisoned in false cases due to political vengeance.
Rizvi said democracy had been destroyed in the country between 1972 and 1975, while all political parties and media outlets had been shut down.
He said Ziaur Rahman restored multi-party democracy and created opportunities for all political parties to participate in politics.
He said Ziaur Rahman played a significant role in advancing war-ravaged and famine-stricken Bangladesh towards self-reliance by increasing agricultural production, excavating canals, creating overseas employment opportunities and expanding economic activities. Under his leadership, the country's economy gradually moved towards prosperity, he added
Referring to the Farakka Barrage issue, Rizvi said Ziaur Rahman had taken a firm stance at the international level regarding Bangladesh's fair share of Padma River water. He also played an active role in protecting the country's rivers and water resources, the BNP leader added.
He said the core principle of Ziaur Rahman's independent and balanced foreign policy was: "Friendship with all, subservience to none."
According to Rizvi, this policy reflected his commitment to giving the highest priority to national interests.
Referring to various initiatives of the current government, Rizvi said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had taken swift steps to implement electoral pledges after assuming office. Work on several programmes, including the Family Card, Farmers Card and Health Card, has already begun, he added.
He expressed hope that these initiatives would benefit poor and rural communities.
He said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman was a man of multidimensional qualities whose contributions to the declaration of independence, the Liberation War, restoration of democracy, economic development and protection of national interests continue to inspire the nation.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
