The Indian High Commission in Dhaka yesterday paid tribute to former president Ziaur Rahman on the occasion of his 45th death anniversary, recalling his historic radio broadcast during Bangladesh’s Liberation War in 1971.
In a statement, the mission described Ziaur Rahman, a Bir Uttam, as one of Bangladesh’s “bravest sons” and highlighted his role in inspiring resistance against the Pakistani military crackdown through his radio address in March 1971.
“As the people of Bangladesh gather today in memory of one of their nation’s bravest sons — Shaheed President Ziaur 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 statement said.
The Indian High Commission also said India continues to stand alongside the people of Bangladesh in a relationship rooted in the shared sacrifices of 1971 and a common aspiration for progress and prosperity.
Following the outbreak of the Liberation War, resistance spread across different parts of the country. On March 27, 1971, then-major Ziaur Rahman delivered a radio announcement from the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra at Kalurghat in Chattogram, invoking Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and calling on the people to join the struggle for Bangladesh’s independence.
His broadcast is widely regarded as one of the significant moments of the Liberation War and remains an important part of Bangladesh’s independence history.
Source: The Times of India