By Dr Sheikh Akram Ali
Forty-five years after the assassination of Ziaur Rahman in May 1981, Bangladesh continues to feel the absence of a leader whose political legacy remains deeply rooted in the country’s history. Remembered as both a military commander and a political leader, Zia played a significant role in shaping Bangladesh during a turbulent period. His contribution to the country’s independence, political development and national identity earned him a lasting place in public memory.
Zia emerged on the national stage during the Liberation War, when he declared Bangladesh’s independence in the absence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and joined the struggle against Pakistani rule. His military role brought him national recognition. However, following independence, he was gradually sidelined by the Mujib government. The political upheaval of August 1975, which resulted in Mujibur Rahman’s assassination, changed the country’s direction and opened a new chapter in Zia’s political life.
The November 7, 1975, Sepoy-People’s Uprising further strengthened his position and transformed him into a central figure in national politics. He subsequently assumed leadership and introduced political, economic and social reforms aimed at stabilising the country. His approach to governance and national development helped establish a distinct political identity, while his leadership became an important reference point in Bangladesh’s subsequent political history.
His assassination in 1981 left the country facing another period of uncertainty. Begum Khaleda Zia later carried forward the political legacy of her husband, leading the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) through years of political confrontation. Despite facing considerable political challenges, she established herself as a prominent democratic leader and became widely known as Deshnetri, or Leader of the Country. Her political struggle and commitment to her party’s principles strengthened the BNP’s position in national politics.
Her prolonged illness and eventual death marked another significant moment for the party and its supporters. The loss of two influential leaders left the BNP with the challenge of preserving its political identity while responding to changing public expectations.
Tarique Rahman’s government, which emerged following the July Revolution of 2024, now faces the difficult task of meeting those expectations. The public has placed considerable trust in the BNP, largely because of the political legacy associated with Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia. However, uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the July Charter and the proposed referendum has raised questions about the government’s direction. People are waiting for clear decisions on political reforms, national priorities and the country’s future.
Foreign policy has also become an important test for the new administration. Bangladesh’s relationship with China remains a subject of public discussion, while the government has yet to establish a sufficiently clear position on several regional issues.
Tarique Rahman’s recent visit to Japan, however, has been viewed positively. Japan has remained an important development partner since the early years of Bangladesh’s independence, and the reported agreement on substantial investment financing could strengthen economic cooperation. The proposed use of Matarbari Port for commercial transit connected with India’s northeastern states, commonly known as the Seven Sisters, has nevertheless generated public debate.
Many Bangladeshis remain sensitive to questions of regional influence and national sovereignty. Memories of what they regard as India’s excessive influence during the Mujib era continue to shape public perceptions of bilateral relations. The political change brought by the July Revolution has strengthened expectations that Bangladesh should pursue an independent foreign policy based on mutual respect and national interests.
The government must therefore handle the proposed transit arrangement with transparency and sensitivity. Economic cooperation and regional connectivity can offer significant benefits, but they should not come at the expense of public confidence. The administration needs to explain the agreement, its economic advantages and its implications for national sovereignty. Ignoring public concerns could turn an economic decision into a serious political controversy.
The government’s greatest strength remains the public trust it inherited through the BNP’s historical political identity. That confidence, however, cannot be taken for granted. It must be sustained through responsible governance, clear policies and decisions that reflect national interests.
Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia established political traditions that their supporters associate with national sovereignty, democratic participation and a distinct approach to relations with neighbouring countries. Tarique Rahman’s government faces the challenge of preserving that legacy while responding to the realities of a changing region. After eight months in office, the public is entitled to expect greater clarity on the country’s foreign policy and its long-term development priorities.
The July Revolution also created expectations of political accountability and meaningful reform. The government must respect the spirit of that movement and demonstrate that the sacrifices and aspirations associated with it will lead to tangible improvements. Delays, unclear commitments and decisions taken without sufficient public consultation could weaken the confidence that brought the BNP to power.
The absence of Ziaur Rahman is still felt because his political legacy remains relevant to the country’s present challenges. Khaleda Zia further strengthened that legacy through her years of political struggle. For Tarique Rahman, the task is not simply to invoke their names but to demonstrate through governance that their stated principles remain meaningful. No government can remain strong by relying solely on its political history. Public support must be renewed through performance, transparency and respect for popular aspirations. Bangladesh’s present leadership should recognise that its authority ultimately rests with the people.
(The author served as a history instructor and Faculty Head at the Bangladesh Military Academy (BMA) and has been working as a Professor of Law at a private university for the past twenty years. He can be reached at metromorning78@gmail.com)
