The ideology of former president Ziaur Rahman shows the path to establishing democracy, rule of law, and justice in Bangladesh, said Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman.
The minister made these remarks as the chief guest at a discussion meeting and doa mahfil organised on the occasion of the 45th martyrdom anniversary of the former president at the Dhaka Bar Association auditorium on Wednesday afternoon.
The law minister said the name of Ziaur Rahman is inseparably linked with the important achievements of Bangladesh’s national life. During the nation’s critical time at the dawn of the Liberation War in 1971, he played a courageous role.
Later, when he came to run the state, he worked to re-establish multi-party democracy, ensure economic development, strengthen the local government system, and secure an effective role for the judiciary.
He said that during the period of political instability after independence, Ziaur Rahman brought the state towards stability. His contribution to restoring democracy and constitutional governance will remain memorable in history.
Referring to Khaleda Zia, the law minister said BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia provided important leadership in the anti-autocracy movement and the struggle to restore democracy. Her role in preserving the country’s democratic continuity has become part of history.
Regarding the July uprising, he said no democratic movement is built in a day. Behind it lie long struggles, sacrifices, repression, and the selfless sacrifice of countless people. He claimed that BNP leaders and activists also suffered long-term political persecution, cases, and repression, and these sacrifices have played a role in the continuity of the country’s democratic movement.
The law minister further said the Liberation War, the 1990 uprising, and the July uprising should be evaluated as part of the same continuum of democratic struggle. No one has the right to belittle the contribution of any movement or struggle. History must be evaluated holistically.
He said Ziaur Rahman’s contribution to outlining Bangladesh’s democracy, rule of law, and justice is important. He called for following his ideology in the interest of the country’s independence, sovereignty, and development.
Present at the event as special guests were BNP Chairperson’s Adviser and President of the Bangladesh Supreme Court Bar Association Barrister AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon, along with other leaders of the Dhaka Bar Association.
The event was organised by the Executive Committee of the Dhaka Bar Association, presided over by Dhaka Bar Association President Md. Anwar Zahid Bhuiyan and conducted by Senior Joint General Secretary Iltutmis Sawdagor Annie.
After the discussion meeting, a special doa and munajat were offered seeking forgiveness for the departed soul of Ziaur Rahman.
