BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia yesterday claimed that party founder Ziaur Rahman was the first president of Bangladesh as he proclaimed the independence of the country.
Tarique Rahman, eldest son of Khaleda Zia and Ziaur Rahman, at a discussion in London first claimed that his father was the first president of the country citing the same logic.
“In 1971 when nobody was saying anything Ziaur Rahman proclaimed the independence. That’s why he is the first president of the country. Awami league is scared of Ziaur Rahman as he is the announcer of independence,” Khaleda said addressing a discussion at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh. Jatiyatabadi Mukktijodha Dal organised a discussion to mark the Independence Day where the former premier questioned the freedom fighters: “Did you free the country from the shackle of Pakistan to get shackled to another country?”
Khaleda on behalf of her husband Ziaur Rahman received the crest for his glorious role in the independence war. Khaleda Zia was also honoured with a crest for her role in the war.
Criticising the government for honouring the foreigners for their role in the Liberation War, Khaleda said: “The way foreigners were honoured it seemed that people of Bangladesh did not fight in the Liberation War.”
Reminiscing her ordeal in 1971 she said: “During the Liberation War, I along with my two sons and wife of Colonel Mahfuz came to Dhaka from Chittagong by a steamer. I was then arrested and detained in different cantonments.”
She however recognised the contribution of the Awami league and Bangabandhu to the liberation war, “They inspired people in the Liberation War. We will not deny it.”
The BNP chief also said she was not proud of being the wife of a president or prime minister rather she feels proud of being the wife of the “proclaimer of independence.”
She said fair election was not possible under a partisan government and it was “proved once again in the upazila parishad elections.”
Khaleda asked the government to take the initiative to hold talks to restore caretaker government system to oversee the polls.