DHAKA : Fisheries and Livestock State Minister Sultan Salauddin Tuku on Saturday said that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman established freedom of speech in Bangladesh by introducing a multi-party democratic system.

“Under his leadership, the country returned to a democratic path, creating opportunities for the political participation of the masses,” he said.

 The state minister was speaking at a discussion titled ‘His Life, Work, and Ideals,’ organised by Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University (MBSTU) to mark the 45th death anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam.

‘At a time of political crisis, Ziaur Rahman led the Liberation War by proclaiming independence. In the post-war era, he played a vital role in rebuilding the nation, achieving food self-sufficiency, and establishing the political rights of the people,’ the state minister said.

 Tuku emphasised that democracy was the core spirit of the Liberation War, and Ziaur Rahman introduced multi-party politics precisely to strengthen that democracy. Ensuring freedom of expression and political liberty was the cornerstone of his political philosophy, he added.

He further noted that the current government is serving after being elected by the people's vote, and the public will evaluate its performance in the future. He urged all quarters to maintain unity and solidarity in the national interest, moving past political division and discord. He also called upon everyone to remain united by upholding the spirit of the anti-fascist movement to ensure that authoritarian or repressive political cultures never return to the country.

Chaired by  Dr. Mostafa Kamal Nasir of MBSTU, the discussion was addressed by Jahangirnagar University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan as the keynote speaker.

MBSTU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A B M Shahidul Islam spoke as the special discussion leader, while former member secretary of Tangail District BNP, Mahmudul Haque Sanu, attended as a special guest. University teachers, students, and leaders of BNP and its affiliate organizations were also present.