Tarique Afzal

The warrior who sacrificed his life for the worldly illusions and fought—Martyred President Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam.

A son of Bagbari, Gabtali, Bogra, he was commissioned in the 12th PMA long-term course in 1955.

In that oath, he pledged his commitment to sovereignty and the motherland.

Later, the freedom-loving hero led the ‘Z Force’ and bravely snatched the independence of Bangladesh.

His thunderous declaration shattered the might of the invading forces: ‘I, Ziaur Rahman, declare independence for Bangladesh.’

In the history of Bangladesh,  examples of single-minded victory, impartiality, and public participation are still rare.

He is still respected in the world as the promoter of multi-party democracy.

A man of integrity, humanity and justice, he remained steadfast in his values ​​until the end of his life. He formulated a 19-point development action plan, which included economic development, self-reliance, rural development, administrative decentralization, and open market policy and population control.

By prioritizing agriculture, he was sincere in promoting the standard of living of farmers, export-oriented agriculture, self-reliance in food, and the expansion of domestic industry through earning foreign exchange. Unfortunately, later, in the name of industrial expansion, corruption, bank robbery by a few nominal entrepreneurs and Money laundering pushes the country’s economy to the brink of ruin.

His philosophy of village-based economy had a profound impact on me in 1978-79. Since then, I have become interested in agricultural development and small and medium industries.

‘He paved the way for decentralization of local administration by introducing ‘Gram Sarkar’ and ‘Village Defence Force’.

His foreign policy and the philosophy presented at the United Nations are still admired in the world today.

He amended the constitution in a way that combined Islam and communal harmony.

His initiative to establish democracy based on the multidimensional participation of different political parties was an outstanding contribution, the lack of which the nation still feels today.

Agricultural restoration through the ‘Dig-in-the-Drain’ program and His contribution to rural development is still etched in the minds of the people of the country.

He presented a far-reaching vision of controlling the overall economic trajectory by combining a village-based economy and later urban-based development.

Today, in his absence, the nation is disappointed, disoriented, indebted and in many cases helpless. That hero, a symbol of national dignity and self-respect, is no longer with us. However, he has left behind a brilliant history of ideals and inspiration.

The scene seen in May 1981—’the whole of Bangladesh beside a dead body’—is still etched in my memory. When I go back to that moment, my heart is filled with respect and love. That successful freedom fighter, statesman—who was honest, brave, hardworking and averse to propaganda, is no more.

Respect and Oath – I swear by your majesty – I will never turn away from you, remaining steadfast in your ideals. I will fight selflessly, I will be successful for the future.

‘You remain silent’.

Author: Tarique Afzal, Prominent Economist and Banker.

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