Ziaur Rahman

Ziaur Rahman (19 January 1936 – 30 May 1981) was a Bangladeshi military officer and politician who served as the President of Bangladesh from 1977 until his assassination in 1981. He founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and is credited with rebuilding Bangladesh after the devastating 1971 war of independence. Born in Bagbari, Bogra district, Rahman joined the Pakistan Army and fought in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. He is believed to have declared Bangladesh's independence on behalf of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on March 26, 1971. After the war, he rose through military ranks and became Chief of Army Staff. Rahman assumed the presidency in 1977 after a series of political upheavals. He held a controversial referendum and election, establishing a presidential system. He founded the BNP in 1978 and focused on stabilizing the country, rebuilding infrastructure, and restoring law and order. His presidency saw significant infrastructure development, including roads, bridges, and the expansion of the energy sector. He promoted Bangladesh internationally and restored multi-party democracy. He was assassinated on 30 May 1981 in Chittagong by a group of military officers. His assassination was a traumatic event in Bangladesh's history and led to political instability.