"Ziaur Rahman: Bangladesh's President, Military Leader, and BNP Founder – A Legacy Cut Short by Assassination in 1981."
Born : 19 January 1936
Place : Bagmara, Bengal, British India
(now Rajshahi, Bangladesh)
Died : 30 May 1981 (aged 45)
Chittagong, Bangladesh
Manner of death :
Assassination
Resting place :
Mausoleum of Ziaur Rahman,
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Nationality :
Bangladesh (from 1971)
Pakistan (1947–1971)
British subject (1936–1947)
Political party :
Bangladesh Nationalist Party
Spouse :
Khaleda Zia (m. 1960)
Children
Tarique Zia
Arafat Zia
Relatives :
Majumder–Zia family
Alma mater :
DJ Science College
Pakistan Military Academy
Command and Staff College
Awards :
Bir Uttom
Independence Award
Hilal-i-Jur'at
Maroon Parachute Wing
Order of the Nile
Order of the Yugoslav Star
Military service
Allegiance :
Pakistan ( before 1971) ,Bangladesh
Branch/service :
Pakistan Army
Bangladesh Army
Years of service :1955-1978
Rank :Lieutenant general
Service number: BA-69
Unit East Bengal Regiment
About
Ziaur Rahman, born on January 19, 1936, and tragically assassinated on May 30, 1981, was quite a figure in Bangladesh's rollercoaster history. A military hotshot turned politician, he wore many hats – from being a key player in the fight for independence to founding the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
Originally from Gabtali, Ziaur got his military stripes at the Pakistan Military Academy in Abbottabad. He flexed his military muscles during the Second Kashmir War, earning himself the Hilal-e-Jurrat from the Pakistani government. Fast forward to 1971, he's now a crucial commander in the Bangladesh Forces, blasting the country's declaration of independence.
Post-independence, Ziaur climbed the ranks in the Bangladesh Army. His big break came after the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding president. In 1977, Ziaur took the presidential reins under martial law.
As president, Ziaur Rahman didn't just twiddle his thumbs. He shook things up with reforms – he birthed the Bangladesh Nationalist Party in 1978, revived multi-party politics, and gave the press, speech, and markets some breathing room. He wasn't just a desk president either – mass irrigation, food production schemes, and social initiatives were all part of his game plan.
Internationally, Ziaur made moves. He helped cook up the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in 1985 . Plus, he shook off Sheikh Mujib's tight embrace with India, cozying up to the West and China.
But, and there's always a 'but, ' Ziaur faced coup attempts, military tribunals, and some unfortunate executions. His presidency wasn't all sunshine and rainbows; he had a reputation for being a bit of a tough cookie.
Ziaur retired from the army in 1978 as a Lieutenant General. His legacy is a mixed bag – hailed for his role in the Liberation War and his efforts in stabilizing Bangladesh, but also slammed for alleged involvement in Mujib's assassination and some controversial moves during his presidency.
Politics being what it is, opinions on Ziaur's legacy split down party lines. The Awami League isn't his biggest fan, while critics argue that the bad rap he gets is just political mudslinging. Nevertheless, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the political child he gave birth to, remains a heavyweight in Bangladeshi politics, now led by his wife, Khaleda Zia, who had her stint as prime minister.
Early life
Alright, let's dive into the early chapters of Ziaur Rahman's life. Born on January 19, 1936, this guy grew up in Bagbari village, soaking in the vibes of Gabtali, Bogra District. His old man, Mansur Rahman, was a chemistry whiz dealing with paper and ink, doing his thing in Kolkata. Zia's grandfather had made a move to Nashipur-Bagbari, and his mother, Jahanara Khatun, held down the fort with two younger brothers.
In 1946, Ziaur got a ticket to Hare School in Calcutta. But you know how the story goes – the British Empire packed its bags in 1947. They chose the Muslim-majority adventure, so off to Pakistan, they went. Mansur set up shop in Karachi, and at 11, Zia found himself in Academy School. By the time he hit sweet 16 in 1952, he'd completed his secondary education.
Zia took the academic ride to DJ Sindh Government Science College in 1953 and hitched his wagon to the Pakistan Military Academy at Kakul as a cadet. The military bug had bitten him well.
Now, let's talk love. In August 1960, at the ripe age of 24, Zia took the plunge and married Khaleda Khanam Putul. Hold onto your hats – she'd later become the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Zia, rocking the captain status in the Pakistan Army, was doing his military duty. A bit of a bummer, though – his old man couldn't make it to the wedding shenanigans in Karachi, and Zia's mom had already moved on to the next chapter. Life, right?
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