BNP's information secretary Azizul Bari Helal speaking in a discussion and doa mahfil held in Dighalia upazila of Khulna. Photo: BSS

KHULNA, Jan 19, 2026 (BSS) - BNP information secretary Azizul Bari Helal today said the ideals of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman were the driving force behind Bangladesh's War of Independence.

He made the remarks while addressing a discussion and doa mahfil held in Dighalia upazila of Khulna in the afternoon to mark the birth anniversary of Ziaur Rahman.

Helal said Ziaur Rahman's courageous leadership, uncompromising patriotism and visionary decisions united the nation and guided it towards independence.

Born on January 19, 1936, Ziaur Rahman was a valiant freedom fighter, a successful statesman and a leader of the masses, Helal said, adding that he was fondly known as the "Rakhal Raja of Bengal" for his deep connection with ordinary people.

Referring to the War of Liberation, Helal said the Pakistan military launched one of the worst genocides in history under "Operation Searchlight" on the night of March 25, 1971, targeting unarmed and sleeping civilians in the then East Pakistan.

He said that on that very night, Major Ziaur Rahman revolted against the Pakistan army, a move that significantly changed the course of the Liberation War.

Helal further said that on March 26, 1971, Ziaur Rahman declared Bangladesh's independence from the Kalurghat Radio Station in Chattogram, giving clear direction and organisational momentum to the liberation struggle.

He added that Ziaur Rahman later fought on the frontlines in Chattogram and Noakhali before crossing the border for strategic reasons to organise resistance. For his outstanding contribution to the Liberation War, Ziaur Rahman was awarded the country's second-highest gallantry award, Bir Uttam.

The programme was presided over by Dighalia Upazila BNP President Molla Saifur Rahman Mintu and attended by local educators, professionals, and leaders and activists of BNP and its associate organisations.

Similar discussions and doa mahfils were also held in Terokhada and Rupsha upazilas of Khulna to mark the birth anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.