By Esme Azom  

DHAKA, May 30, 2026 (BSS)- As historical contributions of former President Ziaur Rahman in the country’s politics and development resonate with youth aspirations, students of various higher educational institutions see him as an inspiring figure for the posterity.

A number of students from different campuses across the country described Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman as a 'courageous and visionary leader’, commending his role in the great Liberation War and leading the country during a critical juncture of the country. 

They said this in recent interviews with Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS). 

Al Fisa Hazrat Jisan, a student of the Department of Geography and Environmental Science at Jahangirnagar University, told BSS, "In my eyes, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman was a courageous statesman and a symbol of patriotism. He not only declared independence but also envisioned transforming war-ravaged Bangladesh into a self-reliant nation." 

This Jahangirnagar University student further said, "For today's youth, the ideals, discipline, and leadership of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman are a great inspiration. His contributions to national development, democracy, and nationalism remain memorable, and his ideology is still highly relevant in building patriotism and a sense of responsibility among the youth." 

Farhan Tanvir, a second-year student of the History Department at Government Azizul Haque College, said, "Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman was a courageous patriot and visionary leader of Bangladesh. He played a crucial role in the great Liberation War and inspired the nation with courage through the proclamation of independence." 

"Under Ziaur Rahman's leadership, the country's agriculture, industry and economic development gained new momentum. He worked to establish people's rights and national unity. 

Honesty, patriotism and a sense of responsibility were the core ideals of his life," Tanvir added. 

Md. Minhajul Abedin, a student of the Marketing Department at Dhaka University, said, "In my eyes, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman was a leader who instilled confidence and the inspiration for nation-building in young people." 

Minhajul further said that the biggest challenge for youth today is to develop responsible leadership, and in this regard, Ziaur Rahman's political philosophy and pragmatic decisions can inspire us. 

Majidur Rahman Saikat, a student of the English Department at Dhaka College, said, "In my eyes, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman represents courage, leadership and a brilliant name of patriotism. From the battlefield to state governance, every chapter demonstrates his steadfastness and dedication." 

This student further said that during Ziaur Rahman's tenure, the active role of youth in the concepts of self-reliance, rural development, and increasing national production was discussed with great importance. For the new generation, he is a significant source of inspiration for identity, national consciousness and development ideas.

Md. Saiful Islam, a student of the Department of Folklore and Social Development Studies at Rajshahi University, told BSS, "In the eyes of a young person like me, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman was a brilliant symbol of courage, patriotism and self-respect. His name is eternally memorable in the history of Bangladesh's Liberation War. As the proclaimer of independence, he infused courage and inspiration into the Bengali nation during the Liberation War." 

He also commented that taking over the responsibility during the difficult time of reconstructing a war-torn country, Ziaur Rahman worked to bring new dynamism to the country's economy, agriculture, industry and administration. 

"The initiatives taken under his leadership for rural development, increasing food production, and building a self-reliant Bangladesh are still remembered with respect." 

Md. Sabbir Mondal, a student of the Department of Bangladesh Studies at Chittagong University, said, "In my eyes, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman is a symbol of indomitable patriotism, courage, and a self-reliant Bangladesh. His declaration of independence from the Kalurghat Radio Station during the 1971 Liberation War and his leadership on the battlefield are a glowing example of courage for the younger generation." 

Sabbir further said that for the new generation, Ziaur Rahman is the introducer of multi-party democracy and an undisputed leader for the development of free thought. If the conscious young generation of this country wants to embrace politics from a place of responsibility and identity, then Ziaur Rahman's ideals and philosophy will be considered one of their primary guiding lights for building a new Bangladesh. 

Razibul Islam Shakil, another student of Government Azizul Haque College, said, "Ziaur Rahman is forever memorable in the history of Bangladesh as a courageous, patriotic, and visionary statesman. In the eyes of youth, he is a symbol of the spirit of liberation, nationalism and a self-reliant Bangladesh." 

Riaz Uddin, another Dhaka University student, said, "In my eyes, Ziaur Rahman was a sector commander of the Liberation War and the commander of the Z Force, who unified the nation by declaring independence from the Kalurghat Radio Station." 

This student also noted that after independence, Ziaur Rahman played a role in economic recovery in war-ravaged Bangladesh by increasing agricultural production, excavating canals and reorganizing industry through rural development. 

He further said, "By establishing the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in 1978, Ziaur Rahman worked to re-establish multi-party democracy. His philosophy of 'village as the center of development' laid the foundation for a self-reliant Bangladesh." 

Mehedi Hasan, a student of the 2023-24 session of the Department of Government and Politics at Jahangirnagar University, said, "Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman is a symbol of Bangladesh's independence, democracy, sovereignty and nationalism. To me, he is always a visionary, dynamic and inspirational name. He is a brilliant example of how to lead when facing a crisis." 

Mehedi further said, "Especially, the unity of nationalism that Ziaur Rahman built, regardless of party affiliation, teaches me to think liberally and inclusively. Alongside this, Ziaur Rahman's honesty, dedication and patriotism are among my biggest inspirations for building a modern and prosperous Bangladesh. Above all, to me, he is the image of an ideal personality of honesty, patriotism and leadership." 

Md. Shakib Al Hasan, a student of History Department at Dhaka College, told BSS, "In my eyes, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the proclaimer of Bangladesh's independence, is a successful and courageous statesman, and the proponent of Bangladeshi nationalism." 

The student further said that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman saw the youth as a vital force for national development and nation-building. "He encouraged young people's political participation, self-reliance, and leadership development. He emphasized engaging youth in exporting skilled manpower abroad, production-oriented education, agriculture, and development activities," said Shakib. 

He further said that through leadership, action-oriented thinking, self-reliance, and development vision, Ziaur Rahman is considered a significant symbol for inspiring the young generation with a sense of duty, patriotism and national unity. 

Md. Nahid Hossain, another student of Rajshahi University, said, "Shaheed Zia's introduced 19-point economic program and the 'canal excavation' program gave the young society the concept of a self-reliant Bangladesh. When he assumed leadership of the country, Bangladesh was mired in deep crisis in its socio-economic, political, and law and order situation. With his strong leadership and unwavering faith in the people, he led the country from darkness towards the light," Nahid added. 

Md. Rajibul Amin Faisal, a student of Department of Marine Science at Chittagong University, said, "On the dark night of March 25, 1971, when a bewildered nation was searching for direction, Ziaur Rahman's thunderous declaration of independence instilled in the youth the immense courage to fight." 

This student further said, "The dream he envisioned of building a self-reliant Bangladesh, today's youth wants to realize that dream with their own intellect and labor. His 'canal digging program' and 'Green Revolution' taught the youth the lessons of self-reliance. In the eyes of the youth, he is a visionary and patriotic statesman."