BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said former president and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman brought an extraordinary change to Bangladesh within just three and a half years of his rule.
“On one hand, he reintroduced multiparty democracy and brought the country back from one‑party rule and BAKSAL. On the other hand, he introduced a free‑market economy. I believe this was the first phase of Bangladesh’s transformation,” Fakhrul said.
“In just three and a half years, he brought such an extraordinary change that Bangladesh, once labelled a ‘bottomless basket’, turned into a country moving towards prosperity,” he added.
Fakhrul, also minister for local government, rural development and co‑operatives, made the remarks after paying tribute at Zia’s grave in Sher‑e‑Bangla Nagar on his 45th death anniversary.
He also said that Zia as the proclaimer of independence, the pioneer who reintroduced multiparty democracy and the architect of modern Bangladesh. Fakhrul said BNP could not properly observe the day for nearly 17 years due to what he termed fascist repression.
“I still remember that when we came here once, many of our leaders were injured in police firing. Today, we are observing the day in a free environment,” he said.
Fakhrul added that Zia sought to overhaul the country’s old and decaying system after being elected to state leadership through a democratic process. He said Zia rescued Bangladesh from the aftermath of the 1974 famine and economic mismanagement, steering the nation toward food surplus and higher agricultural output.
“That period was a time of transformation for our society and country, and he provided the leadership for that change by uniting the people,” Fakhrul said.
Referring to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as Zia’s worthy successor, he added that the government has already launched reform and production‑oriented programmes.
“We have started reform initiatives and production‑oriented programmes. Family Card, Farmers’ Card and other initiatives have already created a new momentum in Bangladesh,” Fakhrul said.
