Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam, Hilal-e-Jurat (Bengali: জিয়াউর রহমান Ji-yaur Rôhman) (19 January 1936 – 30 May 1981) was a Bangladeshi politician and an army officer, who announced the Declaration of Independence of Bangladesh twice, the first being on 26 March 1971 at Kalurghat, Chittagong. The following day Zia repeated an edited version of the declaration on behalf of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He later became the seventh President of Bangladesh from 1977 until 1981. A highly decorated and accomplished military officer, he retired from the Bangladesh Army as a Lieutenant General.[1] He was commander of sector 1, transferred to Teldhala from Sabroom in May 1971. He organised and created Sector 11 and remained its commander until October. During August 1971, He was appointed Brigade Commander of the Bangladesh Forces during the Bangladesh war of independence with Pakistan. During his administration, he first founded JAGODAL but he himself did not become a member of it. Then he founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), one of the two largest political parties in the country. He is popularly known as Shaheed President Zia, meaning "martyred Zia", in reference to his 1981 assassination.
Ziaur Rahman, commissioned military officer by career, attained the rank of Lieutenant General before retiring and then assuming the office of the presidency of Bangladesh. During the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, Zia served in the Khemkaran sector in Punjab as the commander of a Pakistani company unit of 500–800 soldiers. The sector was the scene of the most intense battles between the rival armies. The Pakistani government awarded Zia's unit with the highest numbers of gallantry awards for heroic performances during the war. Ziaur Rahman himself won the distinguished and prestigious Hilal-e-Jurat medal, and his unit won 4 Sitara-e-Jurat medals and 9 Tamgha-e-Jurat medals from the Army for their brave roles in the 1965 War with India.
During the afternoon of 25 March 1971, when the West Pakistani Army started a genocide was still sporadic against the Bengalis of East Pakistan, Major Zia revolted and announced this in front of the soldiers of his regiment. During the early dawn hours of 26 March, Major Zia's unit (2/5 East Bengal Regiment) and members of the EPR[disambiguation needed 
] arrived at the Kalurghat radio station in Chittagong. On the early morning of 27–29 March 1971, radio stations repeated Zia's second declaration of independence in the name of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. After the declaration, the nation rose up to the national challenge and war broke out. Ziaur Rahman served as the commander of BDF Sector no. 1 for a month and then set up his HQ at Sabroom, Tripura. At the end of May Zia was transferred to Teldhala, north of Roumari, and Captain Rafiqul Islam was appointed Commander of BDF Sector 1. Major Zia built Sector 11 there and commanded it. He appointed Squadron Leader M. Hamidullah Khan, his first Sub-Sector Commander at Mankarchar. He also commanded 'Z' Force Brigade, which he organised and created by August 1971. During early October he had again received orders to move with his brigade to Sylhet Sector for operations against the Pakistan Army. On 10 October, he handed the sector over to the commander of 2nd sub-sector (Mahendraganj) Major Abu Taher and moved with his brigade to the Sylhet Sector. On 2 November 1971, a serious grenade injury caused Taher to cease command of the sector and sent to Pune for treatment. On the same day BDF Headquarters appointed No.1 Sub-Sector Commander (Mankarchar) Squadron Leader M. Hamidullah Khan to be the Commander of BDF Sector 11.
Recognized as a war hero in Bangladesh, the government of Bangladesh honored Ziaur Rahman with the second highest gallantry award Bir Uttom in 1972 and was made brigade commander in Comilla. Zia was appointed deputy chief of army staff in 1973.
While Zia had no relation to the massacre (he did not aide in or had no knowledge of the 15 August bloody massacre by a few young army officers) who had carried out the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his entire family on 15 August 1975, Among the young officers involved in Sheikhs killing were (Dismissed by Mujid)Major Dalim, Major Rashid, Major Faruq and Major Noor, etc. A vast conspiracy begun to unfold in Bangladesh of an internal and overt nature. After inept Major General Shafiullah was dismissed and relieved of duty on 16 August 1975, Major General Zia was appointed chief of army staff the following day by the Khondaker Mustaq Ahmed led government. A power struggle broiled onto the national stage. An illegal rebellion that was broiling inside Dhaka Cantonment broke out on 3 November 1975, led by a radical communist, retired Lt.Col Abu Taher of JSD, Brigadier Khaled Mosharraf revolted against the conspirators, so called "Majors", arrested Ziaur Rahman, and declared himself chief of army staff. Rampant assissinations of military officers including their wives were taking place under Lt. Col Abu Tahers instigation. Four major leaders inside Dhaka Central Jail were also murdered. A counter coup along with public processions broke out in different parts of the city, on 7 November 1975, by senior officers in the army. An assassination attempt was also made by the followers, led by radical socialist retired Lt. Col Abu Taher, who had made a disguised attempt to free Zia from house arrest. Zia was already rescued out and secured to the 2nd Artillery HQ at Dhaka Cantt. Brigadier General Khaled Musharraf was assassinated by JSD members and radical followers of Abu Taher. Ziaur Rahman, once secured, was led to the BTV and Bangladesh Radio Center to announce the ceasing of all hostilities, thereupon proclaimed himself deputy Martial Law Administrator with Chief Justice Sayem being Chief Martial Law Administrator (CMLA) on 7 November 1975.
Abu Taher, a committed radical socialist, wanted a socialist reorganization of the Bangladeshi socio-politico-economic scene which he felt was needed to get the country out of the quagmire of abject poverty, severe lawlessness and rampant corruption that it found under Sheikh Mujib's Awami League rule. His ideas alarmed the establishment. And Taher created major chaos and killing from instigating a coup inside the military establishment and radicalising and misleading troops, going above the law. Zia viewed his treason activities with extreme consternation as it threatened all the socio-economic order. Awami League's rule had fostered extreme inequalities and had served the dominant classes so well in poverty stricken Bangladesh. Later, as Abu Taher's radical ideas mislead a section of troops who caused chaos and murder and an urge for a social revolution with a central communist army grew, Zia placed Taher under charges of treason and Taher was arrested on 24 November 1975. He was tried by a military tribunal inside the Dhaka Central Jail and was sentenced to death. He was executed by hanging on 21 July 1976.
Ziaur Rahman placed the nation under Martial Law and continued Mujib's declared State of Emergency, imposed on 25 January 1975. President and Chief Justice Muhammed Abu Sayem appointed Ziaur Rahman as Deputy Chief Martial Law Administrator (Army) along with both chiefs of BAF and BN. Ziaur Rahaman assumed the office of the Presidency of the country in 1977 and won a referendum held in 1978 in support of his policies and leadership of economic freedom and hard work. He engaged himself in politics by floating a political party that came to be known as Jagodal[citation needed]. Later he founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Zia who turned out to be a nation building politician, established free market economic policies in a 19-point program of industrialisation and development, earned immediate trust and respect from the vast majority of the population thus getting himself into the good books of many nations. He pursued a vigorous foreign policy of unity and strength with many nations. He created SAARC and urged the member nations to build a united free market cooperation. He pledged to the people to follow a disciplined life according to the just teachings of Islam. He introduced the recitals of the Geeta, the Bible, the Quran and the Buddhist holy book at the beginning and end of day of Bangladesh Radio and TV programs. He also adopted policies which included the saying of Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim, which he included in the national constitution. President Zia was assassinated in 1981 in an abortive military coup.
Ziaur Rahman was born in the village of Bagbari in the Bogra District of the northwest Bangladesh.[2] His father, Mansur Rahman, was a chemist working for a government department in Kolkata. Zia's childhood was divided between living in the village and the city. He was later enrolled into the Hare School in Kolkata.[3] With the partition of the British-Indian sub-continent in 1947, Mansur Rahman returned with his family to East Bengal, which became part of the new state of Pakistan. The family later moved to Karachi, the federal capital located in Sindh West Pakistan, where Mansur Rahman had been transferred to work for the Government of Pakistan. Zia was enrolled in the Academy School in Karachi.[3]
Zia spent his adolescent years in Karachi and enrolled in the D.J. College there in 1952. In 1953, he entered the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul as an officer cadet. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Pakistan Army in 1955. After serving for two years in Karachi, he was transferred to the East Bengal Regiment in 1957. He attended West Germany and UK military training schools. In 1960, his marriage was arranged to Khaleda Khanum, a young Bengali girl from the Dinajpur District who was 15 years old.[4] Khaleda Zia remained with her parents in East Pakistan to complete her studies and joined her husband in Karachi in 1963. During the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, Zia served in the Khemkaran sector in Punjab as the commander of a company unit of 300–500 soldiers. The sector was the scene of the most intense battles between the rival armies. Zia's unit won one of the highest numbers of gallantry awards for heroic performances.[3] Ziaur Rahman himself won the distinguished and prestigious Hilal-e-Jurat medal, and his unit won 2 Sitara-e-Jurat medals and 9 Tamgha-e-Jurat medals from the Army for their brave roles in the 1965 War with India.[citation needed]
In 1966, Zia was appointed military instructor at the Pakistan Military Academy, later going on to attend the prestigious Command and Staff College in Quetta, where he completed a course in command and tactical warfare. Advocating that the Pakistan Army make greater efforts to recruit and encourage Bengali military officers, Zia helped raise two Bengali battalions during his stint as instructor.[2] Trained for high-ranking command posts, Zia joined the 2nd East Bengal regiment as its second-in-command at Joydevpur in 1969. Although sectarian tensions between East and West Pakistan were intensifying, Zia travelled to West Germany to receive advanced military and command training with the German Army.[3]
Zia returned to Pakistan the following year, and witnessed political turmoil and regional division. East Pakistan had been devastated by the 1970 Bhola cyclone, and the population had been embittered by the slow response of the central government.[5] The political conflict between Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Awami League, which had won a majority in the 1970 elections, the President Yahya Khan and West Pakistani politician Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had brought sectarian tensions to a climax. Sheikh Mujib laid claim to form a government, but Yahya Khan postponed the convening of the legislature under pressure from West Pakistani politicians.[citation needed] Bengali civil and military officers had alleged institutional discrimination through the 1960s, and now distrust had divided the Pakistani Army. Upon his return, Zia attained the rank of Major and was transferred to the 8th East Bengal regiment stationed in Chittagong to serve as its second-in-command.[citation needed]
Following the failure of last-ditch talks, Yahya Khan declared martial law and ordered the army to crack down on Bengali political activities and arrested Sheikh Mujib on the early mornings of 26 March 1971. Zia who already by then revolted made announced the Declaration of Independence on the early morning hours of 27 March 1971 at the Kalurghat radio station in Chittagong. In that declaration Zia also declared himself head of the provisional revolutionary government of Bangladesh, against the Pakistani occupation army. Later again on 27 March he again repeated the declaration which read:
This is Shadhin Bangla Betar Kendro. I, Major Ziaur Rahman, the Provisional Head of the Government of Sovereign State of Bangladesh, on behalf of our Great National Leader, the Supreme Commander of Bangladesh Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, do hereby proclaim the Independence of Bangladesh.
Zia organised an infantry unit gathering all Bengali soldiers from military and EPR units in Chittagong. He designated it Sector No. 1 with its HQ in Sabroom. A few weeks later, it was restructured officially under Bangladesh Forces as the sector in the Chittagong and Hill Tracts area, under General M. A. G. Osmani, the Supreme Commander of Bangladesh Forces, of the Provisional Government of Bangladesh HQ'd at 8 Theatre Road, Calcutta, WB, India. On 30 June 1971 Zia was appointed the commander of the first conventional brigade of the Bangladesh Forces, which was named "Z Force", after the first initial of his name, followed by K-forces in August and S-force in September, named after Major Khaled Musharrafand Major Shafiullah respectively. His brigade consisted of 1st, 3rd and 8th East Bengali regiments, enabling Zia to launch major attacks on Pakistani forces. Having earned a reputation for courageous leadership during the course of the war and reading the declaration of independence of Bangladesh in a critical time, Zia was awarded the Bir Uttom, the second-highest military honour by the Government of Bangladesh . He was given command of a brigade stationed in Comilla, and in 1974 June he was appointed deputy chief of arm staff.[3] He was later promoted to the rank of Major General by 1975 and Lieutenant General in 1977. As a high-ranking commander, Zia oversaw the training and development of the army.
On 15 August 1975 Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family were killed by a group of military officers. One of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's cabinet ministers and leading conspirators Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad gained the presidency.He subsequently appointed the Major General Ziaur Rahman as the army chief after removal of Major General K M Shafiullah. However, the coup of 15 August caused a period of instability and unrest in Bangladesh and more so across the ranks and files of the army. Brigadier Khaled Mosharraf and the Dhaka Brigade under Colonel Shafat Jamil made a counter-coup on 3 November 1975, and Ziaur Rahman was forced to resign and was put under house arrest. A third coup was staged under Lieutenant Colonel Abu Taher and a group of socialist military officers and supporters of the left-wing National Socialist Party on 7 November, called the "National Revolution and Solidarity Day" (Sipoy-Janata Biplob) (Soldiers and People's Coup).[6] Brigadier Khaled Mosharraf was killed and Colonel Jamil arrested, while Lt. Colonel Taher freed Ziaur Rahman and re-appointed him as army chief. Following a major meeting at the army headquarters, an interim government was formed with Justice Abu Sadat Mohammad Sayem as chief martial law administrator and Zia, Air Vice Marshal M. G. Tawab and Rear Admiral M. H. Khan as his deputies.[3][6] Zia also took on the portfolios of home affairs, finance, industry and information along with becoming the chief of army staff.[7] However, discipline in the army had totally collapsed and it was difficult to disarm the soldiers and put them back to the barracks. Fearing that Abu Taher, who in fact rescued him few months earlier, would attempt to organise another revolt, Zia ordered his arrest. Following a secret trial in a military court, Zia authorised the execution of Taher on 21 July 1976. Zia became the chief martial law administrator following Justice Sayem's elevation to the presidency on 19 November 1976. He tried to integrate the armed forces, giving repatriates a status appropriate to their qualifications and seniority. While this angered some veterans of the Mukti Bahini, who had rapidly reached high positions following liberation in 1971, Zia defused potential threats from discontented officers by sending them on diplomatic missions abroad[citation needed].
Major General Ziaur Rahman became the 7th President of Bangladesh on 21 April 1977 following Justice Sayem's resignation on grounds of "ill health", which many believed was simply a pretext for Zia's rise to power with army's backing. Although Sayem had held the title of president, historians believe it was Zia who exercised real power from the cantonment. Sayem had promised early elections, but Zia postponed the plans. The years of disorder had left most of Bangladesh's state institutions in disarray, with constant threats of military coups amidst strikes and protests. Assuming full control of the state, Zia banned political parties, censored the media, re-imposed martial law and ordered the army to arrest dissidents. Martial law restored order across the country to a large measure and as Zia crushed several attempted uprisings with ruthless measures, discipline was finally restored in the army.[citation needed]
In late September 1977, a group of Japanese Red Army terrorists hijacked an airplane and forced it to land in Dhaka. On 30 September, while the attention of the government was riveted on this event, a mutiny broke out in Bogra. Although the mutiny was quickly quelled on the night of 2 October, a second mutiny occurred in Dhaka. The mutineers unsuccessfully attacked Zia's residence, captured Dhaka Radio for a short time and killed a number of air force officers at Dhaka international airport, where they were gathered for negotiations with the hijackers. The army quickly put down the rebellion, but the government was severely shaken. Government intelligence had failed and Zia promptly dismissed both the military and the civilian intelligence chiefs. Special tribunals dealt harshly with the large groups of bandits, smugglers and guerrilla bands operating across the country.[citation needed] The size of Bangladeshi police forces was doubled and the strength of the army increased from 50,000 to 90,000 soldiers.[3][5]
When Ziaur Rahman assumed the presidency after legalizing military coups and the revival of the multiparty system was seen again he appointed Hussain Muhammad Ershad as the new Chief of Army Staff, promoting him to the rank of Lieutenant General.[8] Viewed as a professional soldier with no political aspirations (because of his imprisonment in former West Pakistan during the Bangladesh Liberation War) and having a talent for Bengali speech writing, Ershad soon became Zia's closest politico-military counselor.[9]
Zia had taken charge of a nation suffering from severe poverty, chronic unemployment, shortages and economic stagnation. Muting the state's commitment to socialism, Zia announced a "19-point programme" which emphasised self-reliance, rural development, decentralisation and population control. Zia worked energetically and spent much of his time traveling throughout the country, preaching the "politics of hope" by continually urging all Bangladeshis to work harder and to produce more.[5] Zia focused on boosting agricultural and industrial production, especially in food and grains, and to integrate rural development through a variety of programs, of which population planning was the most important. Working with the proposals of international lending agencies, he launched an ambitious rural development program in 1977, which included a highly visible and popular food-for-work program.[5] He promoted private sector development, exports growth and the reversing of the collectivisation of farms. His government reduced quotas and restrictions on agriculture and industrial activities.[citation needed] Zia launched major projects to construct irrigation canals, power stations, dams, roads and other public works. Directing his campaign to mobilise rural support and development, Zia established Gram Sarkar (Village Councils) system of self-government and the "Village Defence Party" system of security and crime prevention. Programmes to promote primary and adult education on a mass scale were initiated and focused mainly across rural Bangladesh. During this period, Bangladesh's economy achieved fast economic and industrial growth.[3]
Zia began reorienting Bangladesh's foreign policy, addressing the concerns of nationalists who believed that Bangladesh was reliant on Indian economic and military aid. Zia withdrew from his predecessors' affinity with the Soviet bloc, developing closer relations with the United States and Western Europe. Zia also moved to harmonise ties with Saudi Arabia and the People's Republic of China, who had opposed Bangladesh's creation and had not recognised it till 1975. Zia also dropped the demands of reparations and an official apology demanded by Sheikh Mujib and moved to normalise relations with Pakistan. While distancing Bangladesh from India, Zia sought to improve ties with other Islamic nations. Zia's move towards Islamic state policies improved the nation's standing in the Middle East.[5] Zia also proposed an organisation of the nations of South Asia to bolster economic and political co-operation at a regional level.[3] This proposal materialised in 1985 under the Presidency of Hussain Muhammad Ershad with the creation of the South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation in Dhaka.
Zia moved to lead the nation in a new direction, significantly different from the ideology and agenda of Sheikh Mujib.[5] He issued a proclamation order amending the constitution, increasing the direct influence and role of Islam on the government. In the preamble, he inserted the salutation "Bismillahir-Rahmaanir-Rahim" ("In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful"). In Article 8(1) and 8(1A) the statement "absolute trust and faith in Almighty Allah"' was added, replacing the commitment to secularism. Socialism was redefined as "economic and social justice". Zia further introduced provisions to allow Muslims to practice the social and legal injunctions of the Shariat and Sunnah.[10] In Article 25(2), Zia introduced the principle that '"the state shall endeavour to consolidate, preserve and strengthen fraternal relations among Muslim countries based on Islamic solidarity."[3] Zia's edits to the constitution redefined the nature of the republic from the secularism laid out by Sheikh Mujib and his supporters.[10] Islamic religious education was introduced as a compulsory subject in Bangladeshi schools, with provisions for non-Muslim students to learn of their own religions.[citation needed]
In public speeches and policies that he formulated, Zia began expounding "Bangladeshi nationalism", as opposed to Mujib's assertion of a Bengali national identity. Zia emphasised the national role of Islam (as practised by the majority of Bangladeshis). Claiming to promote an inclusive national identity, Zia reached out to non-Bengali minorities such as the Santals, Garos, Manipuris and Chakmas, as well as the Urdu-speaking peoples of Bihari origin. However, many of these groups were predominantly Hindu and Buddhist and were alienated by Zia's promotion of political Islam. In an effort to promote cultural assimilation and economic development, Zia appointed a Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Commission in 1976, but resisted holding a political dialogue with the representatives of the hill tribes on the issue of autonomy and cultural self-preservation.[citation needed] On 2 July 1977 Ziaur Rahman organised a tribal convention to promote a dialogue between the government and tribal groups[citation needed].
After the formation of Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Zia took initiative for formation of political institutes and sponsored workshops for the youth to get active political lessons on Bangladeshi nationalism. In such a workshop in September 1980, Zia spoke to the learners,[11]
Main article:
Indemnity ActAs Bangladesh's ruler, Zia enacted several controversial measures, some to discipline the army, some to unify the nation and some to win the support of Islamic political parties. However, he took no action against Awami League leaders who were infamous for corruption. When he re-introduced multy-party politics, he allowed Sheikh Hasina, the exile daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to return to Bangladesh. However, he did not disapprove Jamaat-e-Islami, which had been earlier banned by Sheikh Mujib. Jamaat-e-Islami was widely believed to have collaborated with the Pakistani army, which committed war crimes, and in unsuccessfully preventing Bangladesh's independence. Golam Azam, the exiled chief of the Jammat-e-Islami, was allowed to come back to Bangladesh in July 1978 with a Pakistani passport on a visitor's visa, and he remained in Bangladesh following its expiry. No court case was lodged for his trial over his alleged role in committing wartime atrocities. Also, some Jamaat leaders were appointed in ministerial posts.[citation needed] Zia also rehabilitated Shah Azizur Rahman, a high-profile opponent of the creation of Bangladesh, and several men accused of murdering Sheikh Mujib. The Indeminity Ordinance proclaimed by President Mustaque was ratified in the Parliament when Zia's party BNP had a landslide victory in the national election of 1979. The ordinance thereby became Indemnity Act.[12]
During the tenure of President Hussain Muhammad Ershad, the Indemnity Act was incorporated as the 5th amendment to the constitution, legalising the military coups, rule under martial law and other political events between 1975 to 1979. Zia also gave Sheikh Mujib's assassins Major Dalim, Major Rashid, and Major Faruk jobs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and in subsequent years they were appointed ambassadors of Bangladesh to African and Middle Eastern nations. Shah Azizur Rahman was appointed Bangladesh's prime minister, serving through Zia's tenure in the presidency.[citation needed]
During his term of power, Zia was criticised for ruthless treatment of his army opposition.[13] Although he enjoyed overall popularity and public confidence, Zia's rehabilitation of some of the most controversial men in Bangladesh aroused fierce opposition from the supporters of the Awami League and veterans of the Mukti Bahini. Amidst speculation and fears of unrest, Zia went on tour to Chittagong on 29 May 1981 to help resolve an intra-party political dispute in the regional BNP. Zia and his entourage stayed overnight at the Chittagong Circuit House. In the early hours of the morning of 30 May, he was assassinated by a group of army officers. Also killed were six of his bodyguards and two aides.[14]
After the assassination of Ziaur Rahman on 30 May 1981, Ershad remained loyal[15] to the government and ordered the army to suppress the coup attempt of Zia's associates led by Major General Abul Manzoor.
Major General Abul Manzoor was shot to death by army soldiers (name were not disclosed till 2010 by government). A military investigation kicked off immediately and 13 army officers were hanged while 19 officiers were ousted from army on 31 October 1981. Officers who were removed from army were Brigadier Abu Said Matiul Hannan Shah, Brigadier AKM Azizul Islam, Brigadier Gias Uddin Ahmed Chodhury (bir bikram), Brigadier Abu jafar aminul huque (bir bikram), Colonel Md. Bajlul goni patwari (bir protik), Lt. Colonel AS Enamul huque, Lt.Colonel Md. Jainul abedin, Lt. Colonel Md. Abdul hannan (bir pratik), Major Manjur ahmed (bir pratik), Major Wakar hassan (bir pratik), Major Md. Abdul jalil, Major Md. Asaduzzaman, Major Rafiqul Islam, Major MD. Abdus salam, Major AKM Rezaul Islam (bir pratik), Captain ASM Abdul hai, Captain Jahirul huque khan (bir pratik), Captain Majharul huque, Lt. Abul hasem.[16]
Zia was buried at the Chandrima Uddan in the locality of Sher-e-Banglanagar in Dhaka.[3] People in large processions attended the funeral and paid their final respects. Vice President Abdus Sattar immediately succeeded him as the acting president.
13 officers mostly 1971 veterans, were arrested in between 1 and 3 June in 1981 and a court martial chaired by Major General Abdur Rahman began at Chittagong Central Jail on 10 July and ended on 28 July. 12 officers were hanged within 18 days of the death of Ziaur Rahman and the 13th officer was hanged two years later as he was being treated for bullet wounds he had received during the 30 May incident in Chittagong.
Following 13 officers were executed .
1. Brigadier Mohsin Uddin Ahmed, in 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War he was 2IC of 3rd East Bengal Regiment (under CO Shafaat Jamil) under Z force (Commanded by Ziaur Rahman).
2. Colonel Nawajesh Uddin, in 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War , he fought in Rangpur and worked with M. A. G. Osmani directly
3. Colonel M Abdur Rashid.
4. Lt Colonel l AYM Mahfuzur Rahman, in 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War he was commander of Sreenagar Sub-sector under Sector 1 (Commanded by Ziaur Rahman).
5. Lt Colonel Bir Protik M Delwar Hossain,
6. Lt Colonel Shah Md Fazle Hossain.
7. Major AZ Giashuddin Ahmed.
8. Major Rawshan Yazdani Bhuiyan.
9. Major Kazi Mominul Haque.
10. Major M Mojibur Rahman.
11. Captain Mohammad Abdus Sattar.
12.Captain Jamil Haque.
13. Lt Mohammad Rafiqul Hassan Khan, aged 23 when hanged. [17]
The army prosecutors, who were appointed to defend these 13 suspected officers llater called the trial a 'farcical trial' as they all were denied the minimal opportunity to defend.
Following officers were removed from Army.
1. Brigadier Abu Said Matiul Hannan Shah, a top level leader in Bangladesh Nationalist Party
2. Brigadier AKM Azizul Islam,
3. Brigadier Gias Uddin Ahmed Chodhury (bir bikram),
4. Brigadier Abu jafar aminul huque (bir bikram),
5. Colonel Md. Bajlul goni patwari (bir protik),
6. Lt. Colonel AS Enamul huque,
7. Lt.Colonel Md. Jainul abedin,
8. Lt. Colonel Md. Abdul hannan (bir pratik),
9. Major Manjur ahmed (bir pratik),
10. Major Wakar hassan (bir pratik),
11.Major Md. Abdul jalil,
12. Major Rafiqul Islam,
13. Major MD. Abdus salam,
14. Major AKM Rezaul Islam (bir pratik),
15. Major Md. Asaduzzaman,
16. Captain Jahirul huque khan (bir pratik),
17. Captain Majharul huque,
18. Captain ASM Abdul hai,
19. Lt. Abul hasem.
[16]
Ziaur Rahman is considered one of the most important political leaders of Bangladesh.[5] President Zia introduced a multi-party democracy in Bangladesh after Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, resorted to de facto one-party rule through BAKSAL in 1975. As president, General Zia legislated the Indemnity Bill, pardoning the subsequently-convicted killers of President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in August 1975.[18] Also deeply controversial is Zia's rehabilitation of persons and political groups that had collaborated with the Pakistani army. Zia is also criticised for creating a "magna democracy", which remained largely beholden to his political party. Because other political parties like Awami League has internal tension barring its greater participation in politics.[19] In a verdict passed on 30 August 2005 the Dhaka High Court declared the seizures of power by military coups between 1975 and 1979, including Zia's military regime as "unlawful and unconstitutional."[20] Zia's martial law decrees, his ascendancy to the presidency in 1977 and the referendum held in 1978 were declared "unknown to the constitution." The court ruling overruled the Indemnity Act by which these very events were accorded a legal status and enshrined in the constitution.[20]
Former US President Ronald Reagan praised him for his leadership and said that "The United States – indeed the world – had come to respect President Zia's profound and compassionate commitment to a better life for his people and his dedication to the rule of law. His wisdom in international affairs will be sorely missed".[21]
While credited for ending the disorder of the final years of Sheikh Mujib's rule, Zia is assailed by his critics for suppressing opposition.[5][19] However, Zia's economic reforms are credited with rebuilding the economy and his move towards Islamisation brought him the support of ordinary Bangladesh people.[5][19] His nationalist vision also appealed to many who resented the nation's strategic alliance with India and the Soviet Union. Moving away from Mujib's secularism, Zia asserted an Islamic political identity for Bangladesh and of membership in the wider community of Muslim nations.[citation needed] However, these measures also isolated and embittered many ethnic and religious minorities in Bangladesh[citation needed], laying in the opinion of many historians[who?] the foundations of future communal and ethnic conflicts.[citation needed] It is generally acknowledged that he lived a simple life, which included opting to have his food supplied from the army canteen.[citation needed]
Ziaur Rahman is survived by his wife Begum Khaleda Zia and his sons Tareq Rahman and Arafat Rahman. Begum Khaleda Zia became the head of the BNP and organised a coalition of political parties opposed to Ershad's regime. In elections held in 1991, Begum Khaleda Zia led the BNP to victory and became prime minister. She lost the 1996 elections to the Awami League's Sheikh Hasina Wajed, the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, but returned to power in 2001.[22] Tareq Rahman serves as BNP senior joint secretary, regarded by many as the architect of the BNP's 2001 election victory.[23] Zia is the namesake of many public institutions, formerly the Zia International Airport in Dhaka, which is the busiest airport in the nation. Zia has also been honoured by the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation for his statesmanship and vision.[24]
- ^ Document 4 showing The Bangladesh Gazette announcing the promotion of Ziaur Rahman to Lieutenant General in the book Bangladesh: A Legacy of Blood by Anthony Mascarenhas
- ^ a b "Zia biography" (PHP). 12 September 2006. http://www.bookrags.com/Ziaur_Rahman. Retrieved 12 September 2006.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "General Zia" (PHP). 2 August 2006. http://banglapedia.search.com.bd/HT/R_0028.htm. Retrieved 2 August 2006.
- ^ "Zia's marriage" (PHP). 19 September 2006. http://banglapedia.search.com.bd/HT/Z_0014.htm. Retrieved 19 September 2006.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Country Studies, Bangladesh (12 September 2006). "Bhola cyclone". http://countrystudies.us/bangladesh/16.htm. Retrieved 12 September 2006.
- ^ a b Islam, Syed Serajul (31 August 2006). "The State in Bangladesh under Zia (1975–81)". Asian Survey, Vol. 24, No. 5 (May, 1984). pp. 556–573. http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0004-4687(198405)24%3A5%3C556%3ATSIBUZ%3E2.0.CO%3B2-9. Retrieved 31 August 2006.
- ^ "Restoration of Military Rule, 1975–77". 12 September 2006. http://countrystudies.us/bangladesh/20.htm. Retrieved 12 September 2006.
- ^ Banglapedia
- ^ encyclopedia.com
- ^ a b Charles Kennedy, Craig Baxter (11 July 2006). Governance and Politics in South Asia. p. 238. ISBN 0-8133-3901-4. http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=51259067. Retrieved 11 July 2006.
- ^ Ahamed, Emajuddin; Islam, Majidul; Moohmud, Shaukat; Sikder, Abdul Hai (2010). Tarique Rahman: Opekkhaye Bangladesh. Dhaka: Ziaur Rahman Foundation. pp. 389. ISBN 984-760-141-0.
- ^ "Indemnity" (PHP). 12 September 2006. http://banglapedia.search.com.bd/HT/I_0036.htm. Retrieved 12 September 2006.
- ^ Country Studies, Bangladesh (12 September 2006). "Zia's rule". http://countrystudies.us/bangladesh/21.htm. Retrieved 12 September 2006.
- ^ "Zia's assassination" (PHP). Time. 10 September 2006. http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,922557,00.html. Retrieved 10 September 2006.
- ^ "Bangladeshi president assassinated". BBC News. 30 May 1981. http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/may/30/newsid_4401000/4401129.stm. Retrieved 15 January 2009.
- ^ a b samakal.com.bd
- ^ <http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=106746>
- ^ "Mujib murder trial" (PHP). 19 September 2006. http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGASA130021997?open&of=ENG-BGD. Retrieved 19 September 2006.
- ^ a b c Haque, Azizul (31 August 2006). "Bangladesh 1979: Cry for a Sovereign Parliament". Asian Survey, Vol. 20, No. 2, A Survey of Asia in 1979: Part II (Feb. 1980). pp. 217–30. http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0004-4687(198002)20%3A2%3C217%3AB1CFAS%3E2.0.CO%3B2-0. Retrieved 31 August 2006.
- ^ a b "Court ruling makes Zia's rule "unconstitutional"" (PHP). 12 August 2006. http://www.independent-bangladesh.com/news/aug/30/30082005ts.htm. Retrieved 12 September 2006.
- ^ "Message to Acting President Abdus Sattar of Bangladesh on the Death of President Ziaur Rahman". 31 May 1981. http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/archives/speeches/1981/53181a.htm. Retrieved 6 May 2007.
- ^ "Prime Minister Begum Khaleda ZIa" (PHP). 19 September 2006. http://www.un.int/bangladesh/gen/pm-bio.htm. Retrieved 19 September 2006.
- ^ Frontline, The Hindu (19 September 2006). "Begum Khaleda and Tareq Rahman" (PHP). http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl1914/19140590.htm. Retrieved 19 September 2006.
- ^ "Zia given posthumous honour by SAARC" (PHP). 19 September 2006. http://www.voanews.com/bangla/archive/2004-07/a-2004-07-21-6-Bangladesh-s.cfm. Retrieved 19 September 2006.
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| Persondata |
| Name |
Rahman, Ziaur |
| Alternative names |
রহমান, জিয়াউর (Bengali) |
| Short description |
President of Bangladesh |
| Date of birth |
19 January 1936 |
| Place of birth |
Bagbari, Bogra District, Bengal |
| Date of death |
30 May 1981 |
| Place of death |
Chittagong, Bangladesh |
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