Zia gave Bangladeshis a distinct national identity: Fakhrul

FE Team | Published: June 05, 2026 00:17:44

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday said former President Ziaur Rahman's greatest contribution was providing the people of Bangladesh with a distinct national identity through the concept of Bangladeshi nationalism, reports UNB.
He said the people of Bangladesh had become fully convinced in 1971 that it was no longer possible to remain part of Pakistan and that they had to wage a war for independence. "And that war was launched by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman."
Fakhrul, also local government, rural development and co-operatives minister, was speaking as the chief guest at a discussion titled "Ziaur Rahman's Independent Foreign Policy in the Current Context" and a newspaper exhibition organised at the Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB), marking the 45th martyrdom anniversary of the former President.
Describing Ziaur Rahman as a courageous patriot who responded to the aspirations of the nation at a critical moment, the BNP leader said, "At a time when the entire nation was waiting for a declaration to begin the war, and when such a declaration did not come from the expected leadership, this then little-known major suddenly announced rebellion against Pakistan and declared war from Chattogram."