DHAKA : Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan on Saturday said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman was an architect of Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty, multi-party democracy and post-liberation war reconstruction, reports BSS.

He made the remarks while speaking as chief guest at a discussion organised by Muktijoddha Sangsad at its auditorium in Mogbazar here, marking the 45^th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.

Azam Khan said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman played a significant role in the early stage of the Liberation War by providing leadership and sense of direction at the critical juncture .

He noted that at the ‘Teliapara Sommelon’, it was on Ziaur Rahman’s proposal that the war was named the “Muktijuddha (Liberation War)” and a sector-based command structure was introduced, which helped organize the resistance.

The minister said that after assuming state power, he (Ziaur Rahman) restored democratic order by transitioning from military rule to a multi-party political system.

He added that Ziaur Rahman reopened political space for previously banned parties and strengthened judicial independence through the establishment of the Supreme Judicial Council.

Describing him as a simple, honest and unselfish statesman, Azam Khan said Ziaur Rahman maintained a modest lifestyle even as president and remained closely connected with the people.

He said Ziaur Rahman considered rural development and production growth as the foundation of national progress.

The minister further said Ziaur Rahman’s ideals remain relevant to Bangladesh’s development, democracy and national unity.

He also said the present government is implementing welfare programmes for freedom fighters, including infrastructural development of Muktijoddha Sangsad and a plan to construct a 20-storey building.

Speakers at the event prayed for the eternal peace of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and called for national unity inspired by his ideals.