BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said in a sense, BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman was a rare patriotic leader and a nation-builder.

"Ziaur Rahman dedicated his entire life to the country and its people. In a very short period, he made extraordinary contributions to all sectors, including agriculture, industry, economy, literature, and culture," he said while speaking as the chief guest at a publication ceremony organized by the Press Institute, Bangladesh on Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman’s foreign and  development policies, and contribution to the Farakka Barrage. 

Fakhrul said, " Ziaur Rahman’s first cabinet was known as the 'Galaxy of Intellectuals,' which included the nation's best minds. It was possible as he believed in advancing the country with capable, knowledgeable, and expert individuals."

The BNP Secretary General stated, "Shaheed  President Zia pulled the devastated economy out and transformed it into a potentially prosperous nation. His vision was also unique in building balanced diplomatic relationships with the Western world, China, India, and Russia."

Referring to the 1979 parliamentary election, Fakhrul said, "The parliament at that time saw the participation of people from all opinions and ideologies, which set an example of a consensus-based and knowledgeable legislature."

"Ziaur Rahman was a natural leader whose honesty and discipline were legendary. He was uncompromising against corruption and nepotism. His lifestyle, personal vigilance, and direct communication with the general public inspired the nation," he added. 

Mirza Fakhrul asserted that those who did not want Bangladesh were the ones who assassinated Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. He claimed that the same force is still engaged in conspiracies to destroy new possibilities today. He emphasized that Ziaur Rahman's philosophy of nationalism is the main foundation of Bangladesh, and the country must move forward by embracing it.

The BNP Secretary General urged everyone not to lose hope, stating that moving forward with their heads held high would be the greatest respect to Ziaur Rahman.

Economist Prof Mahbub Ullah presided over the event and PIB DG Journalist and author Faruk Wasif moderated it. BNP Acting Chairman's Adviser Mahdi Amin and BRAIN, a social platform, Executive Director Dr. Shafiqur Rahman spoke in the event.

Mahbub Ullah commented, "Ziaur Rahman made immense contributions to statecraft and nation-building. It is doubtful whether such an exceptional thinker will be born in this country in the future. His untimely death was an unimaginable loss for us."

Regarding national institutions, he added, "Problems arise when we use national institutions for personal and partisan interests. At that point, the focus shifts from nation-building to serving the party. Ziaur Rahman always opposed this. 

He prioritized competence and honesty, irrespective of political affiliation."

Faruk Wasif said, "The July mass uprising did not have the contribution of a single group. It was the collective form of people from all classes and professions, which brought everyone under the same umbrella."

Calling the Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman a successful statesman, he further said, "Ziaur Rahman was not just a military ruler; he served as the head of state as the first freedom fighter of independent Bangladesh."