Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that late President Ziaur Rahman initiated a new chapter in Bangladesh’s political history by establishing Bangladeshi nationalism and institutionalizing democracy. He made the remarks on Sunday at a discussion titled “Media and Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman,” held at the National Press Club in Dhaka to mark Ziaur Rahman’s death anniversary. The event was chaired by National Press Club President Hasan Hafiz, with Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan attending as special guest.

Before the discussion, guests visited a photo and information exhibition on Ziaur Rahman’s life, work, and political philosophy. Mirza Fakhrul emphasized the need for more research on Ziaur Rahman’s contributions, describing his leadership as multidimensional and visionary. He said Ziaur Rahman’s two most significant achievements were the establishment of Bangladeshi nationalism and the institutionalization of democracy, which expanded political participation.

Zahir Uddin Swapan noted that Ziaur Rahman supported the development of a free and responsible media and took a positive stance on press freedom.