By Professor Dr. Sheikh Akram Ali
In the history of Bangladesh, a “political miracle” is often used to describe the rise of a single family that, as it is sometimes portrayed, was destined by fate to govern the country with immense popularity at different moments. The founder of this family, Major Ziaur Rahman, was a young officer in the East Bengal Regiment of the Pakistan Army who was not widely known in society. However, he suddenly emerged on the political horizon of East Pakistan, a stage for which he was not initially prepared.
Undoubtedly, the rise of Ziaur Rahman is described as a miracle of history. Sheikh Mujib, the undisputed leader of the Bengali population of East Pakistan, failed to provide leadership and left the people at the mercy of the Pakistan Army. In the absence of their leader, the entire Bengali nation became confused and uncertain about its future. At this critical juncture, Major Ziaur Rahman stepped out of the barracks and took up arms against his own Pakistan Army. Leading was his destiny—the primary duty of a military leader—and he seized the historic opportunity to declare the War of Independence for the people on March 27, 1971.
By declaring the country’s independence, he miraculously became famous overnight in history. It is often said that it was his destiny to play a historic role for the nation at a time when the people desperately felt the need for a brave and patriotic leader like him.
However, he had to face the harsh realities and challenges of life both during the war and after the independence of Bangladesh. Sheikh Mujib’s government did not grant him his due dignity; instead, he was posted under his junior. Although this was humiliating for him, he demonstrated immense patience and professionalism. The fall of Sheikh Mujib in August 1975 brought him back to the centre stage of Bangladeshi politics, and he was appointed Chief of Army Staff. But just a few weeks later, he was deposed and placed under house arrest by Khaled Mosharraf.
Yet another “miracle” occurred, and he was restored to his former position through the Sepoy–Janata Revolution (Soldier–People Revolution) on November 7, 1975. In truth, he had no lust for power, but power came to him, and he proved his competence in fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to him by the people of Bangladesh.
Subsequently, he became the President of the country through a national referendum. This is often described as the destiny of life, and the nation found a leader who, with hard work and wisdom, shaped a chapter of its political history. His government is regarded by his supporters as a model for the country, and as long as Bangladesh exists, his contributions are remembered with respect and gratitude.
The next “miracle” in the political history of Bangladesh is presented as the rise of Khaleda Zia, who had never thought of becoming a political leader, yet it happened. During his lifetime, Ziaur Rahman showed no interest in bringing Khaleda Zia into politics or establishing dynastic rule in the country. However, after the tragic death of Ziaur Rahman in 1982, the political situation and the earnest requests of senior BNP leaders compelled her to enter politics. With maturity and political instinct, she soon established herself as a significant figure in Bangladeshi politics.
The rapid transformation of an ordinary housewife without higher institutional education into a successful political leader is considered by many to be a miracle of history. The question remains pertinent: what was the secret behind her gaining such popularity within a short political career? It is argued that it was her steadfast resolve towards her ideology and her uncompromising stance on democracy and national interest that earned her a place in the hearts of many in Bangladesh.
Despite fierce opposition from the Awami League, she succeeded in running the government during her first term (1991–1996). However, her second-term government (2001–2006) was not free from political controversy and faced widespread criticism. In short, Begum Khaleda Zia is regarded by her supporters as a political legend of Bangladesh, and they believe she will remain a significant figure in its political memory.
Turning to Tarique Rahman, his rise is also framed within a narrative of political adversity and persistence. From the beginning of his political journey, he has had to navigate complex challenges. He became a target of political hostility, and his adversaries attempted to damage his reputation, but this did not deter him from his political objectives.
In the absence of the imprisoned Begum Khaleda Zia under the Awami League government, he assumed responsibility for leading the party during a critical period in BNP’s history. During his long stay in London, he remained politically active and maintained party coordination, although he struggled to translate this into a decisive political breakthrough against the government.
Tarique Rahman is portrayed as a product of the July Revolution and as part of this broader narrative of political “miracles” in Bangladesh’s history. In the present context, his political success is seen as dependent on fulfilling public expectations and implementing the mandate of the “July Charter” and the referendum verdict expressed in post-uprising Bangladesh.
(The writer is an academic and political commentator in Bangladesh and can be reached at news@metro-morning.com)
