Births on January 19

Ziaur Rahman, Bangladeshi general and politician, 7th President of Bangladesh (d. 1981)

Ziaur Rahman (pronounced [zi-yaur rôhman]; born on 19 January 1936, died 30 May 1981) was a prominent Bangladesh Army officer and a pivotal figure in the nation's political landscape, ultimately serving as the President of Bangladesh from 1977 until his assassination in 1981. His leadership marked a significant period of transformation for the nascent nation, transitioning from a turbulent post-independence era to a more market-oriented and diplomatically diversified state.

Early Life, Military Career, and Role in the Liberation War

Born in Bogura, British India (now Bangladesh), Ziaur Rahman embarked on a distinguished military career. He joined the Pakistan Military Academy in 1953 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Pakistan Army in 1955. His military service saw him rise through the ranks, demonstrating leadership qualities that would later define his national role.

A Key Figure in the 1971 Liberation War

During the tumultuous events leading to the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, then Major Ziaur Rahman played a crucial role. On 27 March 1971, amidst the Pakistani military crackdown, he famously broadcast the Declaration of Independence of Bangladesh from the Kalurghat radio station in Chittagong. While historical debates exist regarding the precise sequence and original drafters of the declaration, Rahman's broadcast served as a vital rallying call, energizing the resistance against the West Pakistani forces. His declaration stated, "I, Major Ziaur Rahman, on behalf of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, hereby declare the independence of Bangladesh." This act, regardless of its original authorship, galvanized the freedom fighters and informed the international community about the burgeoning independent state.

Throughout the war, Rahman displayed exceptional leadership. He was initially a Sector Commander for BDF Sector 1 of the Bangladesh Forces. By June 1971, he was appointed the commander of BDF Sector 11. Crucially, from mid-July, he commanded the 'Z Force' – one of the three brigade-sized forces (along with K and S Forces) named after their commanders. The Z Force comprised Bengali military units that had mutinied against Pakistan, including the 1st, 3rd, and 8th East Bengal Regiments, playing a vital role in conventional warfare against the Pakistan Army.

Ascent to National Leadership

Following Bangladesh's independence, Ziaur Rahman continued his service in the Bangladesh Army, rising to the positions of brigade commander, Deputy Chief of Army Staff, and eventually Chief of Army Staff. His path to the presidency, however, was marked by a period of intense political instability and military coups after the assassination of the founding president, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, on 15 August 1975. This event plunged Bangladesh into a series of military takeovers and counter-coups, creating a power vacuum. Ziaur Rahman emerged as a central figure during this tumultuous time, notably after the "Sepoy Mutiny" of 7 November 1975. This uprising, led by revolutionary soldiers, saw Ziaur Rahman released from house arrest and propelled into de facto power as the Chief Martial Law Administrator under the civilian presidency of Justice A.S.M. Sayem. He gradually consolidated his authority, eventually assuming the presidency in April 1977 after a referendum.

The Presidency of Ziaur Rahman (1977-1981): Reforms and Initiatives

As president, Ziaur Rahman embarked on significant reforms aimed at stabilizing Bangladesh and fostering economic development. His tenure is largely characterized by a shift in national policy directions, emphasizing self-reliance, rural development, and a more diversified foreign policy.

Founding of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)

• In 1978, President Rahman founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which rapidly grew into one of the country's two dominant political forces.
• The BNP's ideology was rooted in Bangladeshi nationalism, emphasizing national unity, independence, and a departure from socialist economic policies.

Political and Economic Liberalization

Rahman's administration introduced significant political reforms, moving away from the single-party rule (BAKSAL) that had been imposed earlier. He reinstated multi-party politics, allowing political parties to operate freely. Alongside this, there was a noticeable relaxation of state control, leading to the restoration of freedom of the press and free speech, and the promotion of free-market economic principles. This shift aimed to foster greater accountability and citizen participation in governance.

Economic and Social Development Programs

A key focus of Rahman's presidency was rural development and food self-sufficiency. He initiated ambitious mass irrigation and food production programs, most famously the "Canal Digging Program" (Swanirvar Bangladesh), which mobilized rural communities for self-help projects aimed at improving agricultural output. These efforts, coupled with various social programs, were designed to uplift the lives of the predominantly rural population and move Bangladesh towards greater food security.

Foreign Policy Reorientation

Under Ziaur Rahman, Bangladesh pursued a more balanced and assertive foreign policy. He moved to improve relations with Western countries and China, diversifying Bangladesh's diplomatic and economic ties. Notably, he departed from Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's perceived close alignment with India and the Soviet Union, seeking greater geopolitical autonomy. His visionary efforts in promoting regional cooperation in South Asia were instrumental in the formation of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in 1985, an organization he had actively championed.

Challenges, Controversies, and Assassination

Despite his reforms and popularity, Ziaur Rahman's presidency was not without significant challenges and controversies.

• Coup Attempts and Executions: His administration faced an extraordinary number of coup attempts, reportedly as many as twenty-one. These were met with severe responses; numerous soldiers and officers of the Bangladesh Armed Forces were tried in military courts, and many were executed. Critics often claimed these trials were summary, biased, and lacked due process, leading to a period of fear and repression within the armed forces.
• The Indemnity Act: A highly controversial measure passed during his period of martial law administration was the Indemnity Ordinance, later enacted as an Act by parliament. This legislation granted immunity from prosecution to the perpetrators of the 15 August 1975 coup and the killing of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family, drawing widespread condemnation from human rights groups and political opponents.
• Reinstatement of Religion-Based Politics: Rahman was also criticized for removing the ban on religion-based political parties, which had been outlawed by the previous government. This decision allowed parties like Jamaat-e-Islami to resume their political activities, a move that sparked debate about secularism and the role of religion in Bangladeshi politics.

On 30 May 1981, President Ziaur Rahman was assassinated in Chittagong during an attempted military coup. His death marked a tragic end to a transformative period in Bangladesh's history and ushered in another phase of political uncertainty.

Awards and Enduring Legacy

For his exceptional contributions to national defense and the Liberation War, Ziaur Rahman was decorated with significant gallantry awards:

• Hilal-i-Jurat: Awarded by Pakistan in 1965 for his courageous service during the Indo-Pak War.
• Bir Uttom: The second-highest gallantry award in Bangladesh, bestowed upon him in 1972 for his bravery and pivotal role in the 1971 Bangladesh Independence War.

According to Anthony Mascarenhas's 1986 book, "Bangladesh: A Legacy of Blood," Ziaur Rahman retired from the Bangladesh Army as a Lieutenant General (a rank he promoted himself to) in 1978, with effect from 28 April. His most enduring legacy is arguably the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which he founded. The BNP remains one of the two dominant political parties in Bangladesh, continuing to play a significant role in the nation's democratic process. His wife, Khaleda Zia, has since served as Prime Minister of Bangladesh and currently chairs the BNP, ensuring the continuation of his political lineage and vision.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ziaur Rahman

When was Ziaur Rahman born and when did he die?

Ziaur Rahman was born on 19 January 1936 and tragically assassinated on 30 May 1981.

What was Ziaur Rahman's role in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War?

He was a Bangladesh Forces Sector Commander (Sector 1 and later Sector 11) and commander of the 'Z Force.' He notably broadcast the Declaration of Independence on 27 March 1971 from Kalurghat radio station in Chittagong, serving as a critical rallying point for freedom fighters.

How did Ziaur Rahman become President of Bangladesh?

He emerged as a central figure during the turbulent period of coups and counter-coups following the 1975 assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He became Chief Martial Law Administrator in November 1975 and eventually assumed the presidency in 1977 after consolidating power.

What political party did Ziaur Rahman found?

He founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in 1978, which quickly became one of Bangladesh's two major political parties.

What were some key policies of Ziaur Rahman's presidency?

His key policies included reinstating multi-party politics, promoting free-market economics, initiating mass irrigation and food production programs (like the Canal Digging Program), and advocating for regional cooperation, which led to the formation of SAARC. He also reoriented Bangladesh's foreign policy towards closer ties with the West and China.

What controversies surrounded Ziaur Rahman's presidency?

Controversies included the handling of numerous coup attempts leading to widespread executions of military personnel, the passing of the Indemnity Act (which protected coup plotters from 1975), and the lifting of the ban on religion-based political parties.

How did Ziaur Rahman die?

Ziaur Rahman was assassinated on 30 May 1981 in Chittagong during an attempted military coup.