Bangladesh could have become a prosperous state if Zia had not been assassinated prematurely: Speaker

Speaker Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmad said Bangladesh could have become a more prosperous nation if former President Ziaur Rahman had not been assassinated prematurely on Saturday.

Speaking to journalists at the Bhola District BNP office, Ahmed paid tribute to Ziaur Rahman on the anniversary of his death, saying the late leader’s ideals continue to inspire the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its political allies.

“Had the assassins not killed Shaheed Zia at an untimely moment, Bangladesh would have become a prosperous state,” Hafiz Uddin Ahmad said. “Although he is no longer with us, the BNP and like-minded political parties will continue to follow his ideals and gradually take the country to greater heights of development.”

He added that strengthening democratic institutions remains a key objective and expressed hope that democracy would be firmly established in Bangladesh.

Hafiz Uddin Ahmad said Bangladeshis remember Ziaur Rahman with deep respect and argued that following his principles could help transform the country into a developed and prosperous nation.

Referring to BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, he said Tarique had been inspired by the ideals of both Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Hafiz Uddin Ahmad expressed confidence that Tarique Rahman would be able to guide Bangladesh toward further progress by following the vision of his parents.

Highlighting Ziaur Rahman’s political legacy, Ahmed said the late leader’s nationalist ideology continues to influence the country. He noted that the BNP had come to power four times with public support and praised Khaleda Zia for enduring political hardships over the past 16 years while working to uphold democracy.

Hafiz Uddin Ahmad described Khaleda Zia as one of Bangladesh’s most popular political leaders.

Several BNP leaders, including Bhola District BNP Convener Golam Nabi Alamgir, were present at the event.