From Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, a strong advocate of parliamentary democracy, to former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and now Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Chattogram has continued to hold an important place in the political and state activities of the Zia family.
Political observers and BNP leaders say the family has maintained a deep connection with Chattogram since the Liberation War, with the port city playing a significant role in their political journey and development initiatives.
In 1971, Major General Ziaur Rahman declared Bangladesh’s independence from the Kalurghat Radio Station in Chattogram at a critical moment of the Liberation War. Later, after assuming state leadership, he continued to place importance on the development of Chattogram and maintained close relations with political leaders from the region.
Ziaur Rahman was assassinated at the Chattogram Circuit House on May 30, 1981. His connection with the city continued through Begum Khaleda Zia, who also placed importance on Chattogram during her political career.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is also giving priority to Chattogram in his government and political initiatives. He is scheduled to visit the district on August 9, six months after taking office, and spend the day visiting flood-affected areas.
During the visit, the Prime Minister is expected to distribute relief materials, hand over newly reconstructed houses to 100 families affected by recent floods and provide financial assistance to persons with disabilities.
Chattogram-5 lawmaker and State Minister for Land and Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Barrister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin said the history of Chattogram and the Zia family was closely connected.
“Chattogram and the Zia family are intertwined by a common thread,” he said, adding that the legacy of Ziaur Rahman’s declaration of independence from the city would remain deeply rooted in the memories of its people.
He said Ziaur Rahman placed Chattogram at the forefront of many of his political initiatives, while Begum Khaleda Zia also maintained a strong bond with the people and leaders of the region.
Golam Akbar Khandaker, an adviser to BNP Chairman and a former convener of North District BNP, recalled that Ziaur Rahman formally established the Bangladesh Nationalist Party at the Chattogram Circuit House on September 1, 1979.
He said Chattogram remained closely connected with the Zia family from Ziaur Rahman to Begum Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman.
Former Chattogram Metropolitan BNP president and former Chattogram City Corporation mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain said Chattogram had always received special attention from the Zia family.
He said Ziaur Rahman’s declaration of independence from Chattogram and his death in the city had created a unique emotional bond between the people of Chattogram and the family.
Chattogram Metropolitan Union of Journalists President Mohammad Shah Nawaz said the historical connection between Ziaur Rahman and Chattogram had created a strong emotional relationship between the city’s people and the Zia family.
According to local BNP leaders, Tarique Rahman’s upcoming visit reflects the government’s continued focus on Chattogram and its commitment to addressing the needs of people affected by recent floods and other challenges.
Source: BSS NEWS
