Minister of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman could have taken Bangladesh further on the path of development and progress if he had lived another 10 years.
He said Ziaur Rahman’s visionary leadership and administrative skills laid a strong foundation for the country.
He made the remarks on Sunday while speaking as chief guest at a discussion titled “Media and Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman” at the National Press Club in the capital, marking his death anniversary.
The event was chaired by National Press Club President Hasan Hafiz. Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan attended as special guest.
Before the discussion, guests visited a photo and information exhibition highlighting the life, work and political philosophy of former president Ziaur Rahman.
Mirza Fakhrul said “Ziaur Rahman created a new chapter in Bangladesh’s political history by establishing Bangladeshi nationalism and institutionalising democracy. He not only governed the state but also introduced a distinct political philosophy for the nation.
He added that Ziaur Rahman’s life, work and state thinking deserve deeper research. He said his contribution to Bangladesh’s political history is multifaceted.
He identified two of Ziaur Rahman’s key achievements as the establishment of Bangladeshi nationalism and the institutionalisation of democracy. He said multiparty democracy expanded under his leadership and political participation increased.
Mirza Fakhrul said, “Ziaur Rahman worked in every sector of the state for development. He developed the concept of Bangladeshi nationalism as a national identity.”
He added that Ziaur Rahman institutionalised democracy as a better system of governance and tried to revive the country’s fragile economy.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said a statesman earns public trust only when he follows the right vision and policy.
He said, “Ziaur Rahman played a positive role in developing an independent and responsible media and supported press freedom.”
Speakers at the discussion highlighted various aspects of Ziaur Rahman’s political ideology, role in state-building, contribution to democracy and pro-media policies.