Ziaur Rahman: An Unparalleled National Hero

Mostafa Kamal Majumder.

Mostafa Kamal Majumder

Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman is not a mere name; he is a national hero of an unparalled stature, a patriot, a leader and a statesman who gave Bangladesh a new face in the comity of nations. From the moment he joined the Pakistan Army in 1953, Ziaur Rahman displayed exceptional military genius. His combat skills earned him accolades during the 1965 India-Pakistan War, where he fought courageously on the front lines. Yet, his greatest test came in 1971, when the call for Bangladesh’s independence turned him into one of its fiercest defenders.

As the Commander of Z Force, he crafted strategic warfare, leading daring battles against the occupying forces. But it was his legendary March 27, 1971, announcement of independence from Kalurghat radio station that rallied a fragmented resistance into an organized liberation struggle. His voice became the clarion call of freedom, inspiring thousands to fight for a sovereign Bangladesh.

After liberation, despite his heroic contributions, he faced setbacks in the army’s hierarchy, as an officer junior to him was named Chief of Staff. However, his unwavering dedication to the nation kept him in the service, and fate soon positioned him at the helm of the armed forces.

Following the August 15, 1975 coup, which ended the one-party system and restored multiparty democracy, Ziaur Rahman was appointed as the Army Chief of Staff. However, his leadership was soon tested when the November 3 coup, led by Major General Khaled Mosharraf, reportedly sought to restructure military command and remove the influence of junior officers who dictated decisions from Bangabhaban, the President’s Office, put Zia under house arrest, and declared himself the Army Chief of Staff.

While Mosharraf’s coup was said to have been intended to restore discipline, the rank and file of the army saw it as a counter-revolution backed by foreign interests. As a result, just four days later, the coup was crushed by the Sepoy-People’s Revolution on November 7, leading to Ziaur Rahman’s release and his eventual rise as the nation's leader.

With the military under his command, he solidified the Army, Navy, and Air Force, ensuring they became self-respecting, disciplined institutions free from ideological interference. His firm stand against the Biplabi Sainik Sangstha, led by Col. Taher, protected the army from political entanglements and secured Bangladesh’s military integrity.

Rising beyond his military identity, Ziaur Rahman reshaped Bangladesh’s identity and economy. He introduced Bangladeshi nationalism, ensuring that all citizens—regardless of linguistic or ethnic backgrounds—stood united under a singular, sovereign identity.

His economic vision marked a shift from command structures to a mixed economy, creating a corruption-free development path that became the foundation for the present free-market system. His 19-point program revolutionized agriculture, fisheries, manpower exports, and industrial growth, with particular focus on the garment sector—a sector that would sustain Bangladesh’s economy for nearly five decades.

Ziaur Rahman lifted Bangladesh onto the global stage, securing its place in regional and international diplomacy. He played a central role in the formation of SAARC, fostering cooperation among South Asian nations. His leadership saw Bangladesh elected to the UN Security Council, a remarkable diplomatic achievement.

His influence reached beyond South Asia—trusted by Islamic nations, he was chosen to mediate an end to the Iraq-Iran war, a testament to his international credibility.

On May 30, 1981, Bangladesh lost its most fearless leader when Ziaur Rahman was assassinated in Chittagong Circuit House. His sudden, violent death shook the nation, leaving an entire country in mourning and disbelief. His funeral, held at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, drew at least one million people, reflecting the immense love and respect the people held for him.

Even decades after his passing, his legacy remains etched into Bangladesh’s history—as the military genius who became an unparalleled national hero, transforming the country’s identity, economy, and international standing through sheer vision, courage, and unyielding patriotism. His leadership continues to inspire generations of Bangladeshis, ensuring his name remains a symbol of strength and national pride.