Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee Member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain has said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman had appeared to be a vanguard in nation's crisis, enunciating his valiant role as a freedom fighter, a great proclaimer of independence and a leader, reports BSS.
He said Shaheed Zia was both a brave soldier and a sector commander during the Liberation War, and ultimately was a leader who brought stability in the country, highlighting his glorious initiatives as a nation's saviour and a great leader in his life.
In an exclusive interview with the news agency, the veteran politician also recalled that amidst coups during the then Awami League's regime and later coups and counter-coups, Ziaur Rahman reemerged as a guide of the country on November 7 through the sepoy-people's revolution.
His journey is defined by success, and during the nation's most crucial transition, Shaheed Zia appeared to be a frontrunner, he said.
Dr Mosharraf said his life was a remarkable journey of triumph, and during a period of national crisis, Shaheed Zia emerged as a beacon of hope for the nation.
Reflecting on the post-Liberation War period, he said several significant events were unfolded between August 15 and November 7.
"On November 3, Brigadier Khaled Mosharraf led a military coup that toppled the Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad government and placed Major General Ziaur Rahman under house arrest. Just five days later, another uprising took place-widely recognised by the people as the sepoy-people's revolution", he added.
Following this, Dr Mosharraf said, Shaheed Zia delivered a historic address to the nation, urging the countrymen to stay calm and united to protect Bangladesh. Subsequently, he was appointed as the Chief Martial Law Administrator by the President.
During the period, former Chief Justice Abu Sadat Mohammad Sayem assumed the Office of Presidency replacing Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad, said the BNP standing committee member, adding that at one stage, citing health reasons, President Sayem requested Ziaur Rahman to take over the presidency.
