Mahbub Nahid
Political Analyst
Over the course of time, our beloved homeland has witnessed countless historic events, some glorious, some tragic. Leaders have risen, fought, and achieved much; some have fallen and been forgotten, while others have become immortal in the hearts of the people. Alongside these leaders, many political parties were born. And with those parties, certain families became inseparably tied to their legacy. But among them all, none is as deeply connected to the people as the Zia family, whose name is intertwined with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) the most popular political party in Bangladesh. Founded by the proclaimer of independence, the heroic commander of the Z Force, and valiant freedom fighter Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the BNP has become part of the nation’s very fabric, its history, struggles, and aspirations. In every crisis, every movement for country’s betterment, the Zia family has stood like a banyan tree providing shelter and inspiration. The names have changed, from Ziaur Rahman, to Begum Khaleda Zia, and now Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, but the spirit of the family remains the same, standing beside the people, sharing their pain and hope. This is the Zia family’s historic responsibility.
Critics often speak against “dynastic politics,” but the Zia family is no mere bloodline of a few individuals, it represents millions of families across Bangladesh, united by ideals of nationalism, democracy, and people’s rights.
The political journey of the Zia family began with President Ziaur Rahman. When the nation’s soul was weighed down by agony and uncertainty, one voice declared hope;
“I, Major Ziaur Rahman, do hereby declare the independence of Bangladesh.”
He didn’t just announce independence; he fought for it on the battlefield, inspiring thousands of freedom fighters and leading them to victory.
After independence, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s rule turned the country into a virtual prison. Ziaur Rahman was imprisoned, yet he was freed by the uprising of soldiers and common people. Rising as a leader of national strength, he established multi-party democracy, introduced the principle of Bangladeshi Nationalism, and placed Bangladesh on firm footing in global affairs. He reformed the state, set economic examples, and restored the people’s confidence until he was assassinated by those who could not tolerate his popularity and patriotism.
Following his martyrdom, the country fell under nine long years of military dictatorship. Out of that darkness emerged Begum Khaleda Zia, like a beacon of light. As an uncompromising leader, she fought fearlessly against the autocrat Ershad. The people rewarded her struggle, first through movements, then through elections. She restored parliamentary democracy, initiated nationwide development, and stood firm in the face of endless conspiracies, imprisonment, and oppression.
The persecution of the Zia family is well-known. During the years of unlawful rule, Begum Khaleda Zia’s imprisonment was part of a calculated conspiracy. Tarique Rahman, the beloved leader of the youth, was tortured, falsely accused, and forced into exile: an attempt to erase the family’s legacy. But the conspirators failed. The Zia family did not perish; it lives on, immortal in the hearts of millions.
For sixteen long years of murder, enforced disappearances, and state repression, the BNP has stood firm unbroken and united. Under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, the party has become the moral force and inspiration for millions. He has transformed BNP into a political, social, and cultural movement for national renewal.

The July–August uprising was a turning point—a spontaneous outpouring of people’s faith, courage, and collective will. It was not merely a protest but a manifestation of hope. Through years of struggle against fascism, BNP has lost thousands of lives and endured immense suffering. Yet its movement, energized by Tarique Rahman’s vision, has grown stronger. From abroad, he led the resistance, outlined coordinated movement strategies, and gave shape to the historic “One-Point Movement.”
Tarique Rahman’s most remarkable contribution is the 31-Point Reform Outline, a visionary plan for democratic restructuring. His proposals forming a Constitutional Reform Commission, ensuring balance of power, limiting the prime minister’s term to two, introducing an upper house in parliament, restoring the caretaker government, and empowering a Supreme Judicial Council to oversee judges reflect foresight and statesmanship. These ideas are now widely discussed in national politics, though he articulated them long before it became popular to do so, and at a time when the country was under authoritarian rule.
His education reforms are equally forward-looking. He believes that degrees alone cannot secure the future of young people. Thus, he advocates skill-based learning, vocational training, and mandatory third-language education, preparing youth for global competitiveness and self-employment.
To empower young people, Tarique Rahman proposed a one-year unemployment allowance, recognizing that today’s generation is shifting toward the digital economy. His plans include introducing PayPal and other international payment systems for freelancers, and providing easy loans for small entrepreneurs to help them realize their dreams.
In agriculture, his vision is both pragmatic and ambitious. Through a Farmers’ Card, cultivators will access fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides easily. He aims to eliminate middlemen and syndicates, ensuring fair prices via state-run outlets. His plan to transform agriculture into an export-oriented sector will strengthen food security and foreign exchange earnings. He also intends to revive President Zia’s historic canal excavation program to boost irrigation and rural development.
To enhance social protection, Tarique Rahman proposes a “Family Card” system to ensure minimum food security, and a Health Card system to guarantee affordable and accessible healthcare for all citizens.
Information technology is another cornerstone of his vision. He aims to prepare Bangladesh for the Fourth Industrial Revolution through new ICT investments, skill-building, and global competitiveness. His broader philosophy includes the promotion of sports, moral education, and human values, essential for building a humane and resilient society.
At the core of his political ideology lies Bangladeshi Nationalism. He asserts that our only identity is:
“We are Bangladeshi.”
His famous slogan:
“Neither Delhi, nor Pindi, nor any other nation: Bangladesh before all” captures his foreign policy stance: equality, dignity, and sovereignty in global relations.

Tarique Rahman’s vision is for the entire nation, for a just, inclusive, democratic, and humane Bangladesh. Despite years of exile and persecution, he has maintained a living connection with the people. Today, the nation sees in him a new beacon of hope, a reflection of their dream for a prosperous, sovereign, and free Bangladesh.
When he finally returns, it will be a historic homecoming a moment etched forever in the story of Bangladesh. Time has passed, challenges have come and gone, but the Zia family remains, like a great banyan tree steadfast yesterday, today, and for the generations to come.
That is the Zia family’s promise to the people of Bangladesh.