Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman as “a symbol of democracy” who dedicated his life to ensuring democratic ideals in Bangladesh.

Speaking at a Khatme Quran and doa-mahfil organized by the UK unit of BNP in East London on Friday, marking Zia’s 44th martyrdom anniversary, Tarique said, “President Ziaur Rahman was not just a person; he was a symbol of democracy.”

“He devoted his life to ensure democratic rights. As we commemorate his martyrdom, we pray not only for him but for all martyrs who died in the pursuit of democracy,” he added.

The event drew BNP leaders, activists, and members of the expatriate Bangladeshi community. Prayers were offered for Shaheed Zia, victims of the 2024 July Uprising, and others who sacrificed their lives for democracy.

Tarique sharply criticized the ousted government for its handling of the Anti-discrimination Student Movement, saying, “The brutality unleashed by the fugitive dictator was unprecedented. According to the UN, 63 children were killed.”

Expressing hope for justice, he said, “The blood and sacrifice of those fighting for democracy will not go in vain. History will judge this oppression.”

Ziaur Rahman, the proclaimer of Bangladesh’s independence and founder of multi-party democracy, was assassinated on May 30, 1981, at Chittagong Circuit House.

MN/