Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan described Mashiur Rahman Jadu Mia as the principal architect of nationalist political transformation in Bangladesh. Speaking at a discussion marking Jadu Mia’s 102nd birth anniversary at the National Press Club on Tuesday, he said Jadu Mia’s foresight enabled him to transform a military officer into a political leader and to chart a path during times of misrule and political uncertainty.

The minister noted that Jadu Mia was among the few imprisoned by the Pakistani government during the Liberation War and later demonstrated exceptional vision during the post-war and post-1975 political transitions. He said that after 1975, most political parties in Bangladesh faced confusion and loss of direction, but Jadu Mia’s leadership stood out.

BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu also praised Jadu Mia, calling him a political “magician” and a farsighted leader who recognized early the need for a strong organization to politically counter the Awami League. Other speakers included poet Abu Saleh, academic Dr. Mahbub Ullah, BNP leader Barkatullah Bulu, and Bhasani Janashakti Party President Sheikh Rafiqul Islam Bablu.