Ziaur Rahman: The Architect of Modern Bangladesh and His Lasting Legacy
Ziaur Rahman , often referred to as Shaheed Zia , remains one of the most influential figures in the history of Bangladesh. As the nation celebrates his 90th birth anniversary this January 2026, his contributions as a soldier, a statesman, and the founder of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) continue to spark discussion and admiration across the globe. Who was Ziaur Rahman? Born on January 19, 1936, in Bogra, Ziaur Rahman rose from a brilliant military career to become the 6th President of Bangladesh. He is widely remembered as the "Announcer of Independence," whose voice on the radio in March 1971 galvanized a nation during the Liberation War. Key Contributions to Bangladesh Ziaur Rahman’s presidency (1977–1981) was marked by a shift from a socialist economy to a free-market model, laying the groundwork for the country’s current economic pillars. • Economic Reforms: He introduced the "19-point program" focusing on self-reliance, rural development, and agr...
