Sydney, 1 June 2025:
The 44th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam — the Proclaimer of Bangladesh’s Independence, founder of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and architect of multi-party democracy — was observed across Australia with due respect and solemnity.
A discussion meeting and prayer session was held at the Lakemba Public Library Auditorium in Sydney, jointly organized by BNP Australia, Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, and Mohila Dal. The commemorative programs were also held on the same day in five Australian states — New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, Western Australia, and Queensland.
The event was presided over by A.F.M. Towhidul Islam, President of BNP Australia, and conducted by Mohammad Haider Ali, General Secretary, alongside Mohammad Shafiul Alam Shafiq, Organising Secretary. A special prayer for the salvation of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman’s soul was led by Md. Ilyas, BNP Australia’s Religious Affairs Secretary.
Joining virtually as Chief Guest, Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, Member of the BNP Standing Committee, said: “Shaheed Ziaur Rahman is an unforgettable name in Bangladesh’s history. He was not only the Proclaimer of Independence but also the architect of Bangladeshi nationalism and the founder of multi-party democracy. He sacrificed his life for the nation’s sovereignty, and today we remember his courage and patriotism with deep respect.” In his remarks, Md. Azizul Bari Helal, BNP’s Information Secretary, recalled Ziaur Rahman’s historic declaration of independence on 26 March 1971: “At a time of political failure, young Major Zia risked his life and that of his family to declare independence from the Kalurghat Radio Station in Chattogram — an act of unmatched bravery that changed the course of the war.”
Md. Rashedul Haque, BNP’s International Affairs Secretary, said:“President Ziaur Rahman was a visionary statesman and patriot. He was martyred on 30 May 1981 at Chattogram Circuit House in a conspiracy by anti-national elements. His leadership as a Sector Commander and head of the ‘Z-Force’ remains a proud chapter in our Liberation War history.”
BNP Australia’s General Secretary Mohammad Haider Ali described 30 May 1981 as a “dark day in Bangladesh’s history,” pledging to continue the struggle to establish the democratic ideals envisioned by Shaheed Zia and reiterated by Madam Khaleda Zia. “Rebuilding a democratic Bangladesh is the truest way to honour Shaheed Zia,” he said.
Mohammad Omi Ferdous , International Affairs Secretary of the Central Swechchhasebak Dal, highlighted Ziaur Rahman’s economic vision:“He was the architect of self-reliant Bangladesh, pioneering agricultural reforms, irrigation systems, and rural development. His dream of achieving food self-sufficiency continues to inspire generations.”
In his presidential address, A.F.M. Towhidul Islam said: “Ziaur Rahman was a courageous and visionary leader who restored Bangladesh’s dignity in the global arena. A devout Muslim, he reinstated ‘Trust and Faith in Almighty Allah’ in the Constitution and strengthened Bangladesh’s relations with the Islamic world. Even on the night before his assassination, he prayed, recited the Holy Qur’an, and told Madam Zia, ‘See you tomorrow.’ Fate, however, had other plans.”
The event was attended by a large number of leaders and activists, including Vice Presidents Sarowar Kamal Chowdhury, Shah Alam, Momobarak Hossain, and Dr. Shahabuddin Ahmad; Senior Joint Secretary Ilias Kanchan Shaheen; Joint Secretaries Yasir Arafat Sabuj and Md. Kamruzzaman; Assistant Organising Secretary Hasna Hena; Office Secretary Mostafizur Rahman Labu; Assistant Office Secretary Md Mofijal Islam Sagar, Assistant Treasurer Khaja Daud Hossain, Youth and Volunteer Wing leaders Murad Hossain, Faruk Hossain Khan, Shariful Islam Shibli, Jahangir Alam, and Moshior Rahman Tuhin; Publicity Secretary Jummon Hossain; Women Affairs Secretary Abida Sultana; and many others from BNP, Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, and Mohila Dal.
More than a hundred leaders and activists participated in the event, expressing deep respect and gratitude to the memory of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, whose legacy continues to inspire the BNP’s political movement in Bangladesh and abroad.
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