India pays tributes to Bangladesh's former President Zia-ur-Rahman on his death anniversary, recalls his radio address of March 1971
Dhaka, May 30
The Indian High Commission in Bangladesh on Saturday paid tributes to the country's former President Zia-ur-Rahman on his death anniversary and recalled his radio address of March 1971, which inspired people on a path of resistance against oppression and led to national liberation.
In a post on X, the Indian High Commission in Bangladesh said India stands with the people of Bangladesh in a saga of shared sacrifices and a common journey towards prosperity.
"As the people of Bangladesh gather today in memory of one of their nation's bravest sons - Shaheed President Zia-ur-Rahman, Bir Uttam - we recall his famous radio address of March 1971, which electrified the masses, inspired them on a path of resistance against oppression and led to national liberation," the post said.
"Today, as then, India stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of Bangladesh in a saga of shared sacrifices and a common journey towards progress and prosperity of both our peoples," it added.
On May 30, 1981, the then-President of Bangladesh, Zia-ur-Rahman, was assassinated at the Chattagram Circuit House.
Bangladesh is observing the 45th death anniversary of former President Zia-ur- Rahman today. The former president Zia-ur-Rahman is the father of Bangladesh's current Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman, and the husband of former Prime Minister, Begum Khaleda Zia.
Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin paid tributes to former President Zia-ur- Rahman's role in the great Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971.
Zia-ur- Rahman had, on March 26, 1971, declared Bangladesh's independence in a radio address from Kalurghat radio station in Chattagram.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While I respect the history and the shared sacrifices, I do wish India's diplomatic gestures were more balanced. Zia-ur-Rahman's legacy is complex in Bangladesh's politics. Still, acknowledging the 1971 liberation is important for our regional ties. No country is perfect, but we should remember the human spirit of resistance.
Incredible to see the Indian High Commission honoring a key figure from the 1971 war. Zia-ur-Rahman's call for independence changed the course of history. India's support then and now shows our commitment to our neighbors. Jai Hind! 🇧🇩❤️🇮🇳
Interesting to see this tribute from India. I'm from the US but I follow South Asian history. Zia-ur-Rahman's radio address is indeed a defining moment. These gestures help build trust in the region. Cheers to India-Bangladesh friendship.
This reminds me of the strong emotional connection Indians have with Bangladesh's liberation. My grandfather served in the 1971 war. Zia-ur-Rahman was a brave leader. However, I hope India stays neutral in the internal politics of Bangladesh moving forward. Let's focus on trade and people-to-people ties. 🙏
From the UK, I appreciate India recognizing this historic figure. The 1971 war is a shared chapter many don't know about globally. Zia-ur-Rahman's courage to declare independence is commendable. Solidarity across borders is important.
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