Tarique Rahman has renewed emphasis on the historical significance of former President Ziaur Rahman in Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War, describing him as an indispensable figure in the country’s struggle for independence.
Speaking at a discussion marking Independence and National Day in Dhaka on Friday, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), criticised past efforts that, he said, sought to downplay or undermine Ziaur Rahman’s contribution. The event, held at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB), was organised by the BNP and chaired by party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
Tarique Rahman argued that attempts to diminish Ziaur Rahman’s legacy had ultimately reinforced his importance in the historical narrative of the war. He told attendees that the persistence of such debates reflects the enduring relevance of Ziaur Rahman’s role during a critical period in Bangladesh’s formation.
Central to the remarks was the issue of the proclamation of independence. Tarique Rahman maintained that Ziaur Rahman’s involvement was not spontaneous, but rather the culmination of a long-held vision for an independent Bangladesh. He referenced an article written by Ziaur Rahman, titled “Birth of a Nation", published on 26 March 1972, marking the first anniversary of independence.
According to Tarique Rahman, the article provides a detailed account of the early hours of 26 March 1971, a moment widely regarded as pivotal in the country’s liberation. He suggested that the document remains an important source for researchers examining the events of that time.
Tarique Rahman also pointed out that the article was republished in 1974 without public objection, arguing that this indicated broad acceptance of its contents among those who had direct or indirect involvement in the war. He contended that subsequent disputes over historical interpretation emerged later, amid shifting political narratives.
The role of Ziaur Rahman in declaring Bangladesh’s independence has long been a subject of political and academic debate. While different accounts exist regarding the sequence of events and key actors, Tarique Rahman’s remarks underscore how interpretations of history continue to shape contemporary political discourse.
As Bangladesh marks more than five decades since independence, questions surrounding the legacy of its founding figures remain both sensitive and deeply contested, reflecting broader divisions over national identity and historical memory.
.jpg "Bangladesh records 4 more measles-related deaths in past 24 hours")
