Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has called on the nation to accurately present the history of the Liberation War and highlight the significant role of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, emphasising that it is crucial for guiding the younger generation along the right path.

During his participation in a virtual discussion, Tarique Rahman urged that only by presenting the true history of the Liberation War could the youth fully understand Ziaur Rahman’s contributions to the nation's independence. He stressed that this would allow future generations to connect with the ideals and values that the war and the president embodied.

The discussion titled "Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman: Whose Story is Our Philosophy" was organized by the Ziaur Rahman Foundation-ZRF at the Shaheed Abu Sayeed International Convention Center on Mintu Road in the capital on Saturday night.

Tarique pointed out that Ziaur Rahman’s legacy as a soldier and leader should inspire those committed to protecting the sovereignty and independence of Bangladesh, encouraging them to uphold the nation’s values. By providing an accurate account of the Liberation War, Rahman said, the youth would better comprehend the sacrifices made for the country's freedom and sovereignty.

“Only by recounting the correct history could the younger generation grasp Ziaur Rahman's pivotal role in the war and his lasting impact on the nation”, he said.

The event, titled "Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman: Whose Story is Our Philosophy," aimed to showcase Ziaur Rahman's multifaceted role in shaping the nation’s history, both as a military leader and as a statesman.

The ZRF event also included discussions on the importance of ensuring the legacy of the Liberation War is preserved for future generations.

Recalling key moments from the war, he highlighted how Ziaur Rahman proclaimed the War of Liberation at a crucial time when the country’s independence was at stake.

“He united the freedom fighters, inspired people to join the war, and led the country to victory. As a soldier, he fulfilled his highest responsibility and, with the support of the people, liberated the nation,” Tarique said.

Reflecting on Ziaur Rahman's enduring influence, Tarique remarked that future members of the armed forces—who would take an oath to protect the nation’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity—would draw inspiration from the works and courage of the martyred president, who was honoured with the title Bir Uttam.

Tarique reiterated that Ziaur Rahman's contributions continue to serve as a guiding light for those dedicated to serving Bangladesh.

"We saw when he (Zia) started working as a politician, he did not stay only in Dhaka. The job of a politician is to help the people of the country, he went to the people. He talked to the people, wanted to know the problems of the people, and in that way he solved their problems", he said.

Stating that Ziaur Rahman went beyond all identities and united everyone with the Bangladeshi identity, the BNP leader said that his party BNP enjoys the highest popularity because its founder was very popular as a politician.

Highlighting Ziaur Rahman's contribution to the expansion of industry in the country, he further said that Ziaur Rahman, as the head of state, had promoted Bangladesh in the world by earning foreign exchange and expanding the garment industry. He was successful in all identities - soldier, politician and head of state, said Tarique Rahman.

Emphasizing freedom of expression, Tarique Rahman said that democracy means expressing opinions or exercising rights as people express them through voting.

"Naturally, there will be differences between the ideologies of different parties in Bangladesh," he said adding that there must be freedom of speech at any cost.
 “There must be a consensus on this issue regardless of party affiliation. “Along with this, the right of people to vote must be ensured to strengthen the democracy. Then we will be able to gradually build an environment free from tyranny”.

Tarique Rahman’s wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman also addressed the event recalling the life of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and the contribution of BNP Chief and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

“Their life and works are a source of inspiration for many like me,” she said. Dr Zubaida also recited a poem on Ziaur Rahman to mark his birth anniversary.

The Ziaur Rahman Foundation (ZRF) organized the programme marking the 89th birth anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam.

In the session of the programme, a photography exhibition and a storytelling event on Ziaur Rahman were held at the Shaheed Abu Said Convention Center in Shahbagh here from 2:30 pm to 5 pm.

Famous singers Kanak Chapa and Baby Nazneen sang songs for children and teenagers on various commemorative topics on Ziaur Rahman. In addition, little kids also spoke about Ziaur Rahman.

A huge number of enthusiasts from various walks of life, including children and teenagers visited the photography exhibition on Ziaur Rahman's life and works.

ZRF Executive Director Professor Dr. Farhad Halim Doner, Ziaur Rahman's Birth Anniversary Celebration Committee Convener Dr. Shah Muhammad Aman Ullah, Member Secretary Dr. Sohag Awal and Member Dr. Mostafa Aziz Sumon were present, among others.

BNP Vice-Chairmen Mir Nasir and Nurul Islam Moni, BNP Chairperson's Adviser Afroza Khan Rita, ZRF leaders Professor Dr. Morshed Hasan Khan, Dr. Parvez Reza Kakon, Professor Lutfar Rahman, Dr. Abul Hasnat Md. Shamim, Professor Abdul Karim, Amirul Islam Kagoji, Atiqur Rahman Rumon and members of political and professional organizations also joined it.

In the second part, a discussion meeting titled 'Martyr President Ziaur Rahman: Whose Story is Our Ideology' was held at the same place.

ZRF President and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and ZRF Vice-President, renowned cardiologist Dr. Zubaida Rahman were virtually joined the discussion while BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan was the main discussant.

BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan said “Ziaur Rahman was the first to declare independence. He was the commander of Sector No. 1. Later, he also fought in Sector No. 11. He is the commander of Z Force. After that, two more forces were formed. Shaheed Zia gave the first proposal at the meeting of sector commanders in Teliapara. He instilled hope in the minds of the people in March 1971.”

“After that, he returned to his military career. But when the national disaster came again on November 7, 1975, Zia's voice was heard again,” he said.

Highlighting the various contributions of Ziaur Rahman during the Liberation War, the senior BNP leader said when the forces of Jasad were killing army officers only one person had the courage, ability and patriotism to take responsibility and that was Ziaur Rahman.

“He inspired the people and gave them courage. After taking responsibility, he restored order in almost all sectors including the country's economy, state policy, foreign policy and media within a few days. He united the people and formed a village government. In this way, he connected them in 19 points to ensure food, clothing, medical treatment and housing. He travelled miles and miles in villages and towns. Which inspired the common people and gave them hope,” he said.

Professor Dr. Md. Sabirul Islam Howlader, Professor Nasrin Sultana, BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Dhaka University Professor Robayet Ferdous, youth representative Faham Abdus Salam, Dr. Syeda Taznin Waris Simki, Professor Halim Khan, film actor Ashraf Uddin Ahmed Ujjal, freedom fighter Lutful Hasan, retired government official Md. Jamal Hossain Majumder, former ambassador Mufleh R Osman, coordinator of the disabled citizens' organization Iftekhar Mahmud, and student of Academia International School Kaisan Ahian Reza also spoke.

An analytical documentary on Ziaur Rahman was screened at the event by Professor Emeritus of the Free University of Brussels, Eddy Van Driessche.