Today, Monday (January 19), marks the 90th birth anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam, the founder chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The day is being observed with due respect and solemnity by the BNP and its affiliated organizations across the country.Ziaur Rahman was born on this day in 1936 in the quiet village of Bagbari under Gabtali upazila of Bogura district, into a respectable Muslim family. His father, Mansur Rahman, was a senior scientific officer of the then central government, while his mother, Jahanara Khatun, was a homemaker. He was the second among five brothers. From an early age, he was noted for his discipline, patriotism, and leadership qualities.In 1953, Ziaur Rahman joined the Pakistan Military Academy as an officer cadet. Throughout his military career, he demonstrated professionalism, courage, and efficiency. In September 1970, he was transferred to Chattogram, a posting that would later place him at the center of a defining moment in the nation’s history.During the Liberation War of 1971, Ziaur Rahman played an active role in the armed struggle against Pakistani forces. On March 26, at a critical moment for the nation, he announced Bangladesh’s declaration of independence from the Kalurghat radio station in Chattogram. His historic words“I, Major Zia, am speaking” inspired a directionless and oppressed nation to rise up and join the liberation war. During the war, he led resistance efforts against Pakistani troops in Chattogram, the Chittagong Hill Tracts, and Noakhali, and formed and commanded the elite “Z Force.”Following independence, Ziaur Rahman held key positions in the Bangladesh Army. After the political upheaval of 1975, he assumed state power during a period of national crisis and took initiatives to restore stability in the country. Under his leadership, multi-party democracy was reintroduced, press freedom was ensured, and Bangladesh’s position on the international stage was strengthened through an independent foreign policy. His role in laying the groundwork for the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is considered significant.On May 30, 1981, Ziaur Rahman was assassinated by a group of rogue military officers at the Chattogram Circuit House. His death plunged the nation into deep mourning. Millions of people attended his funeral at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, reflecting his widespread popularity and influence.On the occasion of the birth anniversary, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir described Shaheed Ziaur Rahman as a visionary statesman in a message. He said Zia symbolized independence, sovereignty, democracy, and nationalism. He prayed for the eternal peace of Shaheed Zia’s soul and called upon people to unite in establishing democracy and protecting citizens’ voting rights by following his ideals. As part of the observance, the BNP has arranged flag hoisting, discussions, and prayer gatherings at its central office and across the country. At 11:00 am today, BNP leaders and activists, including members of the party’s National Standing Committee, will place wreaths and offer prayers at Ziaur Rahman’s grave in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. A discussion meeting is also scheduled to be held tomorrow, Tuesday, at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh auditorium in Kakrail.