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{{Infobox revolution biography
|name=Ziaur Rahman <br> জিয়াউর রহমান
|lived=[[January 19]] [[1936]] &ndash; [[May 30]] [[1981]]
|image=[[Image:ZIAURRAHMANZIA_(2).jpg]]
|caption=President Zia during inauguration of an irrigation project
|placeofbirth=[[Bogra District]], [[Bengal]]
|placeofdeath=[[Chittagong]], [[Bangladesh]]
|offices=[[President of Bangladesh]]
|organizations=[[Bangladesh Nationalist Party]]
}}

'''Ziaur Rahman''' ({{lang-bn|জিয়াউর রহমান}} ''Ziaur Rôhman'') ([[January 19]] [[1936]] &mdash; [[May 30]] [[1981]]) was the 6th [[President of Bangladesh]] and the founder of the [[Bangladesh Nationalist Party]]. Popularly called '''Zia''', he is also sometimes referred to as a '''Shaheed''' (''Martyr''). His widow [[Khaleda Zia|Begum Khaleda Zia]] has served as [[Prime Minister of Bangladesh]] three times.

An officer in the [[Pakistan Army]], Zia's unit captured the [[Kalurghat]] radio station at the onset of the [[Bangladesh Liberation War]] and declared the independence of Bangladesh on behalf of [[Sheikh Mujibur Rahman]]. Recognised as a war hero, he was honoured with the [[Bir Uttom]] in 1972. A high-ranking officer in the [[Bangladesh Army]], Zia was appointed [[Chief of Army Staff of the Bangladesh Army|chief of army staff]] following the [[Assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman|assassination of Sheikh Mujib Rahman]] in 1975. Although briefly overthrown in a [[coup d'etat|counter-coup]], Zia returned to power in a military coup organised by Colonel [[Abu Taher]].

Declaring himself president in 1977, Zia won a referendum held in 1978. Founding the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Zia won widespread popular support for stabilising the nation and leading it in a new direction. A [[right-wing politics|right-wing]] politician, Zia established [[free-market economics|free-market policies]] in a 19-point programme of industrialisation and development. He adopted policies bringing the government increasingly under [[Islam]], which he included in the [[Constitution of Bangladesh|national constitution]]. Zia controversially pardoned the assassins of Sheikh Mujib by signing the ''[[Indemnity Act]]'' and rehabilitated individuals who had supported the Pakistan Army. A popular yet controversial leader, Zia was [[Assassination of Ziaur Rahman|assassinated]] in 1981 in an abortive military coup.

==Early life==
'''Ziaur Rahman''' was born in the village of Bagbari in the [[Bogra District]] of the province of [[Bengal]] (now in northwest Bangladesh), although by some other accounts he was born in the city of [[Kolkata|Calcutta]].<ref name="EWB">{{cite web
| last =
| first = Encyclopedia of World Biography
| date = [[2006-09-12]]
| url = http://www.bookrags.com/Ziaur_Rahman
| title = Zia biography
| format = PHP
| accessdate = 2006-09-12
}}</ref> His father, Mansur Rahman, was a [[chemist]] working for a government department in Kolkata.<!--Please use an appropriate connector between his father's profession and his childhood, if one exists.--> Zia's childhood was divided between living in the village and the city. He was later enrolled into the [[Hare School]] in Kolkata.<ref name="BPEDIA">{{cite web
| last =
| first = Banglapedia
| date = [[2006-08-02]]
| url = http://banglapedia.search.com.bd/HT/R_0028.htm
| title = General Zia
| format = PHP
| accessdate = 2006-08-02
}}</ref> With the [[partition of India]] in 1947, Mansur Rahman opted to join the new Muslim state of [[Pakistan]], moving his family to [[East Pakistan]]. The family later moved to [[Karachi]], the national capital located in [[West Pakistan]], where Mansur Rahman had been transferred to work for the [[Government of Pakistan]]. Zia was enrolled in the Academy School in Karachi.<ref name="BPEDIA">{{cite web
| last =
| first = Banglapedia
| date = [[2006-08-02]]
| url = http://banglapedia.search.com.bd/HT/R_0028.htm
| title = General Zia
| format = PHP
| accessdate = 2006-08-02
}}</ref>

Zia spent his adolescent years in Karachi and enrolled in the D. J. College there in 1953. In the same year, he entered the [[Pakistan Military Academy]] in Kakul as an [[Officer Cadet|officer cadet]]. He was commissioned as a [[second lieutenant]] in the [[Pakistan Army]] in 1955. After serving for two years in Karachi, he was transferred to the [[East Bengal Regiment]] in 1957. From 1959 to 1964 he worked in the department of [[military intelligence]].<ref name="BPEDIA">{{cite web
| last =
| first = Banglapedia
| date = [[2006-08-02]]
| url = http://banglapedia.search.com.bd/HT/R_0028.htm
| title = General Zia
| format = PHP
| accessdate = 2006-08-02
}}</ref> In 1960, his marriage was arranged to Khaleda Zia, a young Bengali girl from the [[Dinajpur District]] who was 15 years old.<ref name="BPEDIA667">{{cite web
| last =
| first = Banglapedia
| date = [[2006-09-19]]
| url = http://banglapedia.search.com.bd/HT/Z_0014.htm
| title = Zia's marriage
| format = PHP
| accessdate = 2006-09-19
}}</ref> Khaleda Zia remained with her parents in East Pakistan to complete her studies and joined her husband in Karachi in 1965. During the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965]], Zia served in the [[Khemkaran]] sector in [[Punjab region|Punjab]] as the commander of a [[company (military unit)|company unit]] of 300-500 soldiers. The sector was the scene of the most intense battles between the rival armies. Zia's unit won one of the highest numbers of gallantry awards for heroic performances.<ref name="BPEDIA" />

In 1966, Zia was appointed military instructor at the Pakistan Military Academy, later going on to attend the prestigious [[Command and Staff College]] in [[Quetta]], where he completed a course in command and tactical warfare. Advocating that the Pakistan Army make greater efforts to recruit and encourage Bengali military officers, Zia helped raise two Bengali [[battalion]]s during his stint as instructor.<ref name="EWB">{{cite web
| last =
| first = Encyclopedia of World Biography
| date = [[2006-09-12]]
| url = http://www.bookrags.com/Ziaur_Rahman
| title = Zia Biography
| format = PHP
| accessdate = 2006-09-12
}}</ref> Trained for high-ranking command posts, Zia joined the 2nd East Bengal regiment as its second-in-command at Joydevpur in 1969. Although sectarian tensions between East and West Pakistan were intensifying, Zia travelled to [[West Germany]] to receive advanced military and command training with the [[German Army]] and [[NATO]].<ref name="BPEDIA" />

Zia returned to Pakistan the following year, and witnessed political turmoil and regional division. East Pakistan had been devastated by the [[1970 Bhola cyclone]], and the population had been embittered by the slow response of the central government.<ref name="Rule">{{cite web
| last = Country Studies
| first = Bangladesh
| date = [[2006-09-12]]
| url = http://countrystudies.us/bangladesh/16.htm
| title = Bhola cyclone
| format = HTML
| accessdate = 2006-09-12
}}</ref> The political conflict between Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's [[Awami League]], which had won a majority in the 1970 <!--provincial assembly?-->elections, the President [[Yahya Khan]] and West Pakistani politician [[Zulfikar Ali Bhutto]] had brought sectarian tensions to a climax. Sheikh Mujib laid claim to form a government, but Yahya Khan postponed the convening of the legislature under pressure from West Pakistani politicians.<ref name="POLY">{{cite web
| last = Zia
| first = Khaleda
| date = [[2006-07-11]]
| url = http://www.polymernotes.org/biographies/BGD_bio_Mujib.htm
| title = Mujib Notes
| format = HTML
| accessdate = 2006-07-11
}}</ref> Bengali civil and military officers had alleged institutional discrimination through the 1960s, and now distrust had divided the Pakistani Army. Upon his return, Zia attained the rank of [[Major]] and was transferred to the 8th East Bengal regiment stationed in [[Chittagong]] to serve as its second-in-command.

==Rebel commander==
[[Image:Zialib.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Major Ziaur Rahman during the [[Bangladesh Liberation War]]]]
Following the failure of last-ditch talks, Yahya Khan declared [[martial law]] and ordered the army to crack down on Bengali political activities. Before his arrest, Sheikh Mujib declared the independence of Bangladesh on [[March 26]] [[1971]] and exhorted the people of East Pakistan to resist the army. One of the highest-ranking Bengali officers, Zia led his unit in mutiny of the Pakistan Army, capturing a radio station in [[Kalurghat]] near Chittagong and calling it the [[Mujibnagar|Shadhin Bangla Betar Kendro]]. On [[March 27]], addressing the people via radio, Zia delivered Sheikh Mujib's address and declared independence on his behalf and pronounced himself "Head of the Republic":<ref name="Rule">{{cite web
| last = Country Studies
| first = Bangladesh
| date = [[2006-09-12]]
| url = http://countrystudies.us/bangladesh/21.htm
| title = Zia's regime
| format = HTML
| accessdate = 2006-09-12
}}</ref>

{{cquote|This is Shadhin Bangla Betar Kendro. I, Major Ziaur Rahman, at the direction of Bangobondhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, hereby declare that the independent People's Republic of Bangladesh has been established. At his direction, I have taken command as the temporary ''Head of the Republic''. In the name of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, I call upon all Bengalis to rise against the attack by the West Pakistani Army. We shall fight to the last to free our Motherland. By the grace of Allah, victory is ours. Joy Bangla.<ref name="VB">{{cite web
| last =
| first = Banglapedia
| date = [[2006-08-02]]
| url = http://www.virtualbangladesh.com/history/declaration.html
| title = Zia's radio address
| format = PHP
| accessdate = 2006-08-02
}}</ref>}}

Zia was appointed commander of [[Mukti Bahini]] (''Liberation Army'') forces in the [[Chittagong Hill Tracts]], working under General [[M. A. G. Osmani]], the supreme commander.<ref name="BPEDIA" /> He worked to provide support and resources to the Mukti Bahini guerilla force and coordinate attacks against the East Pakistani army. At a later phase of the war, Zia travelled across the border into India to receive military resources and training for his troops. Zia also helped coordinate the work of Bangladesh's government-in-exile of [[Mujibnagar]]. On [[June 1]] [[1971]] Zia became the commander of the first conventional [[brigade]] of the Mukti Bahini, which was named "Z Force," after the first initial of his name. This brigade consisted of 1st, 3rd and 8th East Bengali regiments, enabling Zia to launch major attacks on Pakistani forces. During the war his family was placed under house arrest. The guerrilla war continued until the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971|direct intervention]] of the [[Indian Army]], which captured [[Dhaka]] and forced the surrender of Pakistani forces on [[December 16]] [[1971]].

Upon his release, Sheikh Mujib assumed charge of the new state's government, and the Indian Army transferred control to the newly-formed [[Bangladesh Army]] on [[March 17]] [[1972]]. Having earned a reputation for courageous leadership during the war, Zia was awarded the [[Bir Uttom]], the second-highest military honour. He was given command of a brigade stationed in [[Comilla]], and in June he was appointed deputy chief of army staff.<ref name="BPEDIA" /> He was later promoted to the rank of [[Major General]] by the end of 1973. As a high-ranking commander, Zia oversaw the training and development of the army.

==Coup of 1975 and its aftermath==
By 1975, Sheikh Mujib's assumption of dictatorial powers had disillusioned and angered many Bangladeshis, including army officers. On [[August 15]] [[1975]] Sheikh Mujib and his family were murdered by a group of military officers. [[Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad]], one of the key plotters of the coup, took over as president, and appointed Major General Ziaur Rahman as chief of army staff.<ref name="BPEDIA" /> It is not known if Zia had himself helped plot the coup against Sheikh Mujib, but he had now become one of the most powerful men in the nation.<ref name="JSTOR3">{{cite web
| last = Islam
| first = Syed Serajul
| date = [[2006-08-31]]
| url = http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0004-4687(198405)24%3A5%3C556%3ATSIBUZ%3E2.0.CO%3B2-9
| title = The State in Bangladesh under Zia (1975-81)
| publisher = Asian Survey, Vol. 24, No. 5 (May, 1984)
| pages = pp. 556-573
| format = HTML
| accessdate = 2006-08-31
}}</ref> However, the coup caused a period of instability and unrest in Bangladesh. Brigadier [[Khaled Mosharraf]] and the Dhaka Brigade under Colonel [[Shafat Jamil]] made a counter-coup on [[November 3]] [[1975]], and Ziaur Rahman was forced to resign and was put under house arrest.

A third coup was staged under Colonel [[Abu Taher]] and a group of socialist military officers and supporters of the [[left-wing politics|left-wing]] [[Jatiyo Samajtantrik Dal]] on [[November 7]], called the ''[[National Revolution and Solidarity Day|Sipoy-Janata Biplob]]'' (''Soldiers and People's Coup'').<ref name="JSTOR3">{{cite web
| last = Islam
| first = Syed Serajul
| date = [[2006-08-31]]
| url = http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0004-4687(198405)24%3A5%3C556%3ATSIBUZ%3E2.0.CO%3B2-9
| title = The State in Bangladesh under Zia (1975-81)
| publisher = Asian Survey, Vol. 24, No. 5 (May, 1984)
| pages = pp. 556-573
| format = HTML
| accessdate = 2006-08-31
}}</ref> Brigadier Mosharaff was killed and Colonel Jamil arrested, while Colonel Taher freed Ziaur Rahman and re-appointed him as army chief. Following a major meeting at the army headquarters, an interim government was formed with Justice [[Abu Sadat Mohammad Sayem]] as chief martial law administrator and Zia, [[Air Vice Marshal]] [[M. G. Tawab]] and [[Rear Admiral]] [[M. H. Khan]] as his deputies.<ref name="BPEDIA" /><ref name="JSTOR3">{{cite web
| last = Islam
| first = Syed Serajul
| date = [[2006-08-31]]
| url = http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0004-4687(198405)24%3A5%3C556%3ATSIBUZ%3E2.0.CO%3B2-9
| title = The State in Bangladesh under Zia (1975-81)
| publisher = Asian Survey, Vol. 24, No. 5 (May, 1984)
| pages = pp. 556-573
| format = HTML
| accessdate = 2006-08-31
}}</ref> Zia also took on the portfolios of finance, home affairs, industry and information along with becoming the army chief of staff.<ref name="US">{{cite web
| last = Country Studies
| first = Bangladesh
| date = [[2006-09-12]]
| url = http://countrystudies.us/bangladesh/20.htm
| title = Coups of 1975
| format = HTML
| accessdate = 2006-09-12
}}</ref> Fearing that Abu Taher, a well-known socialist, would attempt to organise another revolt, Zia ordered his arrest. Following a secret trial in a military court, Zia authorised the execution of Colonel Taher on [[July 21]] [[1976]]. Zia became the sole chief martial law administrator following Justice Sayem's elevation to the presidency on [[November 19]] [[1976]]. He tried to integrate the armed forces, giving repatriates a status appropriate to their qualifications and seniority. While this angered some veterans of the Mukti Bahini, who had rapidly reached high positions, Zia defused potential threats from discontented officers by sending them on diplomatic missions abroad.<ref name="Rule">{{cite web
| last = Country Studies
| first = Bangladesh
| date = [[2006-09-12]]
| url = http://countrystudies.us/bangladesh/21.htm
| title = Zia regime
| format = HTML
| accessdate = 2006-09-12
}}</ref>

==President of Bangladesh==
[[Image:Pic5.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Major General Zia]]
Major General Ziaur Rahman became the 6th President of Bangladesh on [[April 21]] [[1977]] following Justice Sayem's resignation on grounds of "ill health," which many believed was simply a pretext for Zia's rise to power with the army's backing.<ref name="Sayem">{{cite web
| last = Country Studies
| first = Bangladesh
| date = [[2006-09-12]]
| url = http://countrystudies.us/bangladesh/20.htm
| title = Zia's rise to power
| format = HTML
| accessdate = 2006-09-12
}}</ref> Although Sayem had held the title of president, historians believe it was Zia who exercised real power. Sayem had promised early elections, but Zia postponed the plans.<ref name="Sayem">{{cite web
| last = Country Studies
| first = Bangladesh
| date = [[2006-09-12]]
| url = http://countrystudies.us/bangladesh/20.htm
| title = Zia's rise to power
| format = HTML
| accessdate = 2006-09-12
}}</ref> The years of disorder had left most of Bangladesh's state institutions in disarray, with constant threats of military coups amidst strikes and protests. Assuming full control of the state, Zia banned political parties, censored the media, re-imposed martial law and ordered the army to arrest dissidents. Martial law restored order across the country to a large measure, although Zia crushed several attempted uprisings with ruthless measures.<ref name="Rule">{{cite web
| last = Country Studies
| first = Bangladesh
| date = [[2006-09-12]]
| url = http://countrystudies.us/bangladesh/21.htm
| title = Zia regime
| format = HTML
| accessdate = 2006-09-12
}}</ref>

In late September 1977, a group of [[Japanese Red Army]] terrorists hijacked an airplane and forced it to land in Dhaka. On [[September 30]], while the attention of the government was riveted on this event, a mutiny broke out in Bogra. Although the mutiny was quickly quelled on the night of [[October 2]], a second mutiny occurred in Dhaka.<ref name="Rule">{{cite web
| last = Country Studies
| first = Bangladesh
| date = [[2006-09-12]]
| url = http://countrystudies.us/bangladesh/21.htm
| title = Zia regime
| format = HTML
| accessdate = 2006-09-12
}}</ref> The mutineers unsuccessfully attacked Zia's residence, captured Dhaka Radio for a short time and killed a number of air force officers at Dhaka international airport, where they were gathered for negotiations with the hijackers. The army quickly put down the rebellion, but the government was severely shaken. Government intelligence had failed and Zia promptly dismissed both the military and the civilian intelligence chiefs.<ref name="Rule">{{cite web
| last = Country Studies
| first = Bangladesh
| date = [[2006-09-12]]
| url = http://countrystudies.us/bangladesh/21.htm
| title = Zia regime
| format = HTML
| accessdate = 2006-09-12
}}</ref> Special tribunals dealt harshly with the large groups of bandits, smugglers and guerrilla bands operating across the country.<ref name="Rule">{{cite web
| last = Country Studies
| first = Bangladesh
| date = [[2006-09-12]]
| url = http://countrystudies.us/bangladesh/21.htm
| title = Zia regime
| format = HTML
| accessdate = 2006-09-12
}}</ref> The size of Bangladeshi police forces was doubled and the strength of the army increased from 50,000 to 90,000 soldiers.<ref name="BPEDIA" />

===Restoration of democracy===
Despite his forceful exercise of power, Zia remained under pressure to restore democracy.<ref name="JSTOR4">{{cite web
| last = Rashiduzzaman
| first = M.
| date = [[2006-08-31]]
| url = http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0004-4687(197902)19%3A2%3C191%3AB1SFAP%3E2.0.CO%3B2-I
| title = Bangladesh 1978: Search for a Political Party
| pages = pp. 191-197
| publisher = Asian Survey, Vol. 19, No. 2, A Survey of Asia in 1978: Part II (Feb., 1979)
| format = HTML
| accessdate = 2006-08-31
}}</ref><ref name="JSTOR5">{{cite web
| last = Haque
| first = Azizul
| date = [[2006-08-31]]
| url = http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0004-4687(198002)20%3A2%3C217%3AB1CFAS%3E2.0.CO%3B2-0
| pages = pp. 217-30
| publisher = Asian Survey, Vol. 20, No. 2, A Survey of Asia in 1979: Part II (Feb., 1980)
| title = Bangladesh 1979: Cry for a Sovereign Parliament
| format = HTML
| accessdate = 2006-08-31
}}</ref> He legalised political parties and revoked media censorship. In February 1978, he founded a broad coalition of supporters, known as the [[Jatiyatabadi Ganatantrik Dal]] (''Nationalist Democratic Party''), with Vice President [[Abdus Sattar]] as its head.<ref name="JSTOR10">{{cite web
| last = Rashiduzzaman
| first = M.
| date = [[2006-08-31]]
| url = http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0004-4687(197902)19%3A2%3C191%3AB1SFAP%3E2.0.CO%3B2-I
| title = Bangladesh 1978: Search for a Political Party
| pages = pp. 191-197
| publisher = Asian Survey, Vol. 19, No. 2, A Survey of Asia in 1978: Part II (Feb., 1979)
| format = HTML
| accessdate = 2006-08-31
}}</ref> Zia called a presidential election in which he was elected by securing 76.67% of the votes against a front led by General Osmani.<ref name="JSTOR4">{{cite web
| last = Rashiduzzaman
| first = M.
| date = [[2006-08-31]]
| url = http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0004-4687(197902)19%3A2%3C191%3AB1SFAP%3E2.0.CO%3B2-I
| title = BNP
| format = HTML
| accessdate = 2006-08-31
}}</ref> Although many observers believe that Zia would have won the election with a wide margin of support anyway, the collusion of civil servants, village council officials and military authorities on Zia's behalf is believed to have shaped the final result.<ref name="JSTOR6">{{cite web
| last = Rashiduzzaman
| first = M.
| date = [[2006-08-31]]
| url = http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0004-4687(197802)18%3A2%3C126%3ABI1DOT%3E2.0.CO%3B2-V
| title = Bangladesh in 1977: Dilemmas of the Military Rulers
| pages = pp. 126-134
| publisher = Asian Survey, Vol. 18, No. 2 (Feb., 1978)
| format = HTML
| accessdate = 2006-08-31
}}</ref> Seeking to expand his political base, Zia amalgamated his coalition of supporters into the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which was officially founded on [[September 1]] [[1978]]. Zia himself served as the first party chairman, with Vice President Abdus Sattar, [[A.Q.M. Badruddoza Chowdhury]] and other loyalists controlling the organisation. Seeking to develop a broad political party, Zia adopted an "open arms policy" inviting activists, intellectuals and civil servants from across the political spectrum. Seeking to firmly establish his authority, Zia called fresh parliamentary elections in February 1979, with the BNP winning 207 out of the total 300 seats.<ref name="JSTOR4">{{cite web
| last = Rashiduzzaman
| first = M.
| date = [[2006-08-31]]
| url = http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0004-4687(197902)19%3A2%3C191%3AB1SFAP%3E2.0.CO%3B2-I
| title = BNP
| format = HTML
| accessdate = 2006-08-31
}}</ref> Following the convening of the BNP-led parliament, the Jatiya Sangsad, Zia lifted martial law on [[April 5]] [[1979]].<ref name="JSTOR5">{{cite web
| last = Haque
| first = Azizul
| date = [[2006-08-31]]
| url = http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0004-4687(198002)20%3A2%3C217%3AB1CFAS%3E2.0.CO%3B2-0
| pages = pp. 217-30
| publisher = Asian Survey, Vol. 20, No. 2, A Survey of Asia in 1979: Part II (Feb., 1980)
| title = Bangladesh 1979: Cry for a Sovereign Parliament
| format = HTML
| accessdate = 2006-08-31
}}</ref> Ending his army career, Zia appointed Gen. [[Hossain Mohammad Ershad]] as army chief and appointed civilians to important ministerial and civil posts. He prohibited military officials from holding civilian posts. Zia began dressing and appearing in public as a civilian leader, conspicuous for consistently wearing dark sunglasses.<ref name="Rule">{{cite web
| last = Country Studies
| first = Bangladesh
| date = [[2006-09-12]]
| url = http://countrystudies.us/bangladesh/21.htm
| title = Zia regime
| format = HTML
| accessdate = 2006-09-12
}}</ref>

===Domestic and foreign policies===
Zia had taken charge of a nation suffering from severe poverty, chronic unemployment, shortages and economic stagnation. Muting the state's commitment to socialism, Zia announced a "19-point programme" which emphasised self-reliance, rural development, decentralisation and population control. Zia worked energetically and spent much of his time traveling throughout the country, preaching the "politics of hope" by continually urging all Bangladeshis to work harder and to produce more.<ref name="Rule">{{cite web
| last = Country Studies
| first = Bangladesh
| date = [[2006-09-12]]
| url = http://countrystudies.us/bangladesh/21.htm
| title = Zia regime
| format = HTML
| accessdate = 2006-09-12
}}</ref> Zia focused on boosting agricultural and industrial production, especially in food and grains, and to integrate rural development through a variety of programs, of which population planning was the most important. Working with the proposals of international lending agencies, he launched an ambitious rural development program in 1977, which included a highly visible and popular food-for-work program.<ref name="Rule">{{cite web
| last = Country Studies
| first = Bangladesh
| date = [[2006-09-12]]
| url = http://countrystudies.us/bangladesh/21.htm
| title = Zia regime
| format = HTML
| accessdate = 2006-09-12
}}</ref> He promoted private sector development, exports growth and the reversing of the collectivisation of farms. His government reduced quotas and restrictions on agriculture and industrial activities.<ref name="UDDIN">{{cite web
| last = Shahzad Uddin
| first = Trevor Hopper
| date = [[2006-07-07]]
| url = http://les.man.ac.uk/ipa97/papers/uddin103.pdf
| title = A Bangladeshi Soap Opera
| publisher = Manchester School of Accounting and Finance; University of Manchester
| format = PDF
| accessdate = 2006-07-07
}}</ref> Zia launched major projects to construct irrigation canals, power stations, dams, roads and other public works. Directing his campaign to mobilise rural support and development, Zia established ''Gram Sarkar'' (''Village Councils'') system of self-government and the "Village Defence Party" system of security and crime prevention.<!--Was Gram Sarkar motivated by Panchayati Raj or vice versa?--> Programmes to promote primary and adult education on a mass scale were initiated and focused mainly across rural Bangladesh. During this period, Bangladesh's economy achieved fast economic and industrial growth.<ref name="BPEDIA">{{cite web
| last =
| first = Banglapedia
| date = [[2006-08-02]]
| url = http://banglapedia.search.com.bd/HT/R_0028.htm
| title = General Zia
| format = PHP
| accessdate = 2006-08-02
}}</ref>

Zia began reorienting Bangladesh's foreign policy, addressing the concerns of nationalists who believed that Bangladesh was reliant on Indian economic and military aid. Zia withdrew from his predecessors' affinity with the [[Eastern Bloc|Soviet bloc]], developing closer relations with the [[United States]] and [[Western Europe]]. Zia also moved to harmonise ties with [[Saudi Arabia]] and the [[People's Republic of China]], who had opposed Bangladesh's creation and had not recognised it till 1975. Zia also dropped the demands of reparations and an official apology demanded by Sheikh Mujib and moved to normalise relations with Pakistan. While distancing Bangladesh from India, Zia sought to improve ties with other Islamic nations. Zia's move towards Islamic state policies improved the nation's standing in the [[Middle East]].<ref name="Rule">{{cite web
| last = Country Studies
| first = Bangladesh
| date = [[2006-09-12]]
| url = http://countrystudies.us/bangladesh/21.htm
| title = Zia regime
| format = HTML
| accessdate = 2006-09-12
}}</ref> Zia also proposed an organisation of the nations of [[South Asia]] to bolster economic and political co-operation at a regional level.<ref name="BPEDIA">{{cite web
| last =
| first = Banglapedia
| date = [[2006-08-02]]
| url = http://banglapedia.search.com.bd/HT/R_0028.htm
| title = General Zia
| format = PHP
| accessdate = 2006-08-02
}}</ref> This proposal materialised in 1985 with the creation of the [[South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation]] in Dhaka.

===Islam and nationalism===
[[Image:ZiaPic16.jpg|thumb|right|200px|President Zia at a BNP conference]]
Zia moved to lead the nation in a new direction, significantly different from the ideology and agenda of Sheikh Mujib.<ref name="Rule">{{cite web
| last = Country Studies
| first = Bangladesh
| date = [[2006-09-12]]
| url = http://countrystudies.us/bangladesh/21.htm
| title = Zia regime
| format = HTML
| accessdate = 2006-09-12
}}</ref> He issued a proclamation order amending the constitution, increasing the direct influence and role of [[Islam]] on the government. In the preamble, he inserted the salutation ''"Bismillahir-Rahmaanir-Rahim"'' (''In the name of [[Allah]], the Beneficent, the Merciful''). In Article 8(1) and 8(1A) the statement ''"absolute trust and faith in Almighty Allah"'' was added, replacing the commitment to [[secularism]]. [[Socialism]] was redefined as ''"economic and social justice."'' Zia further introduced provisions to allow Muslims to practice the social and legal injunctions of the [[Shariat]] and [[Sunnah]].<ref name="GPSA">{{cite web
| last = Charles Kennedy
| first = Craig Baxter
| date = [[2006-07-11]]
| url = http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=51259067
| page = 238
| title = Governance and Politics in South Asia
| ISBN = 0813339014
| format = HTML
| accessdate = 2006-07-11
}}</ref> In Article 25(2), Zia introduced the principle that ''"the state shall endeavour to consolidate, preserve and strengthen fraternal relations among Muslim countries based on Islamic solidarity."''<ref name="BPEDIA">{{cite web
| last =
| first = Banglapedia
| date = [[2006-08-02]]
| url = http://banglapedia.search.com.bd/HT/R_0028.htm
| title = General Zia
| format = PHP
| accessdate = 2006-08-02
}}</ref> Zia's edits to the constitution redefined the nature of the republic from the secularism laid out by Sheikh Mujib and his supporters.<ref name="GPSA">{{cite web
| last = Charles Kennedy
| first = Craig Baxter
| date = [[2006-07-11]]
| url = http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=51259067
| page = 238
| title = Governance and Politics in South Asia
| ISBN = 0813339014
| format = HTML
| accessdate = 2006-07-11
}}</ref> Islamic religious education was introduced as a compulsory subject in Bangladeshi schools, with provisions for non-Muslim students to learn of their own religions.<ref name="SAAGI">{{cite web
| last = Raman
| first = B.
| date = [[2006-08-29]]
| url = http://www.saag.org/papers3/paper232.html
| title = Zia and Islam
| format = PHP
| accessdate = 2006-08-29
}}</ref>
In public speeches and policies that he formulated, Zia began expounding "Bangladeshi nationalism," as opposed to Mujib's assertion of a Bengali national identity. Zia emphasised the national role of Islam (as practised by the majority of Bangladeshis). Claiming to promote an inclusive national identity, Zia reached out to non-Bengali minorities such as the [[Santal]]s, [[Garo (tribe)|Garos]], [[Manipuri]]s and [[Chakma]]s, as well as the [[Urdu]]-speaking peoples of [[Bihar|Bihari]] origin. However, many of these groups were predominantly [[Hinduism|Hindu]] and [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] and were alienated by Zia's promotion of political Islam. In an effort to promote cultural assimilation and economic development, Zia appointed a [[Chittagong Hill Tracts]] Development Commission in 1976, but resisted holding a political dialogue with the representatives of the hill tribes on the issue of autonomy and cultural self-preservation.<ref name="CHTD">{{cite web
| last =
| first = Banglapedia
| date = 2006-09-12
| url = http://banglapedia.search.com.bd/HT/P_0088.htm
| title = Chittagong Hill Tracts Issue
| format = PHP
| accessdate = 2006-09-12
}}</ref> On [[July 2]] [[1977]] Ziaur Rahman organised a tribal convention to promote a dialogue between the government and tribal groups. However, most cultural and political issues would remain unresolved and intermittent incidents of inter-community violence and militancy occurred throughout Zia's rule.<ref name="CHTD">{{cite web
| last =
| first = Banglapedia
| date = 2006-09-12
| url = http://banglapedia.search.com.bd/HT/P_0088.htm
| title = Chittagong Hill Tracts Issue
| format = PHP
| accessdate = 2006-09-12
}}</ref>

===Indemnity===
As Bangladesh's ruler, Zia enacted several controversial measures, ostensibly to win the support of Islamic political parties and opponents of the Awami League. He revoked the ban on the [[Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh|Jamaat-e-Islami]], which was widely believed to have collaborated with the Pakistani army and in committing [[war crime]]s against civilians. [[Golam Azam]], the exiled chief of the Jammat-e-Islami, was allowed to come back in July [[1978]] with a Pakistani passport on a visitor's visa, and he remained in Bangladesh following its expiry. He was not brought to trial over his alleged role in committing wartime atrocities, and Jamaat leaders were appointed in ministerial posts.<ref name="SAAGI">{{cite web
| last = Raman
| first = B.
| date = [[2006-08-29]]
| url = http://www.saag.org/papers3/paper232.html
| title = Zia and Islam
| format = PHP
| accessdate = 2006-08-29
}}</ref> Zia also rehabilitated [[Shah Azizur Rahman]], a high-profile opponent of the creation of Bangladesh, and several men accused of murdering Sheikh Mujib. Using the BNP's two-thirds majority in parliament, Zia obtained the passage of the ''[[Indemnity Act]]'', which stated that no trial will happen and no case can be made for the assassination of Sheikh Mujib.<ref name="BPEDIA2">{{cite web
| last =
| first = Banglapedia
| date = [[2006-09-12]]
| url = http://banglapedia.search.com.bd/HT/I_0036.htm
| title = Indemnity
| format = PHP
| accessdate = 2006-09-12
}}</ref> The Indemnity Act was later incorporated as the 5th amendment to the constitution, legalising the military coups, martial law and other political events between 1975 to 1979. Zia also gave Sheikh Mujib's assassins [[Assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman|Major Dalim]], [[Assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman|Major Rashid]], and [[Syed Faruque Rahman|Major Faruk]] jobs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and in subsequent years they were appointed ambassadors of Bangladesh to African and Middle Eastern nations. Azizur Rahman was appointed Bangladesh's prime minister, serving through Zia's tenure in the presidency.<ref name="Answers">{{cite web
| last =
| first = Virtual Bangladesh
| date = [[2006-09-12]]
| url = http://www.virtualbangladesh.com/bd_gov_rulers.html
| title = Shah Azizur Rahman
| format = PHP
| accessdate = 2006-09-12
}}</ref>

==Assassination==
{{main|Assassination of Ziaur Rahman}}
[[Image:Ziapic2.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Large processions follow the funeral of Zia]]
During his term of power, Zia was criticised for ruthless treatment of his political opposition.<ref name="US2">{{cite web
| last = Country Studies
| first = Bangladesh
| date = [[2006-09-12]]
| url = http://countrystudies.us/bangladesh/21.htm
| title = Zia's rule
| format = HTML
| accessdate = 2006-09-12
}}</ref> Although he enjoyed overall popularity and public confidence, Zia's rehabilitation of some of the most controversial men in Bangladesh aroused fierce opposition from the supporters of the Awami League and veterans of the [[Mukti Bahini]]. Amidst speculation and fears of unrest, Zia went on tour to Chittagong on [[May 29]] [[1981]] to help resolve an intra-party political dispute in the regional BNP. Zia and his entourage stayed overnight at the Chittagong Circuit House, a rest house. In the early hours of the morning of [[May 30]], he was assassinated by a group of army officers along with six bodyguards and two aides.<ref name="killing">{{cite web
| last =
| first = Banglapedia
| date = [[2006-09-10]]
| url = http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,922557,00.html
| title = Zia's assassination
| format = PHP
| accessdate = 2006-09-10
}}</ref>

Zia's killing came as a central part of a botched military coup attempt led by Major General [[Abul Monjur]], who announced the killing and his take-over of the government on radio.<ref name="killing">{{cite web
| last =
| first = Banglapedia
| date = [[2006-09-10]]
| url = http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,922557,00.html
| title = Zia's assassination
| format = PHP
| accessdate = 2006-09-10
}}</ref> Monjur had earlier been a senior army commander and had been transferred to Chittagong in 1977. He was scheduled for a new transfer to a non-command position in Dhaka and was reportedly disappointed over his impending demotion.<ref name="US2">{{cite web
| last = Country Studies
| first = Bangladesh
| date = [[2006-09-12]]
| url = http://countrystudies.us/bangladesh/21.htm
| title = Zia's rule
| format = HTML
| accessdate = 2006-09-12
}}</ref> However, Vice President Abdus Sattar quickly reaffirmed control of the government, placed the military on high alert and ordered it to track down the conspirators and quash the revolt.<ref name="killing">{{cite web
| last =
| first = Banglapedia
| date = [[2006-09-10]]
| url = http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,922557,00.html
| title = Zia's assassination
| format = PHP
| accessdate = 2006-09-10
}}</ref> The army, under its chief of staff Gen. Ershad remained loyal to the Dhaka government and moved to quickly put down the rebellion and execute Monjur. In the trials that followed, a sizable number of officers and enlisted men received death penalty for complicity. Zia was buried at the [[Chandrima Uddan]] in the locality of [[Sher-e-Banglanagar]] in Dhaka.<ref name="BPEDIA" /> Large processions of supporters and BNP activists attended the funeral. Vice President Abdus Sattar immediately succeeded him, and led the BNP to victory in elections held in 1981. However, army chief Gen. Ershad overthrew this government in a coup on [[March 24]] [[1982]].

==Criticism and legacy==
Ziaur Rahman is considered one of the most important and controversial political leaders of Bangladesh.<ref name="Rule">{{cite web
| last = Country Studies
| first = Bangladesh
| date = [[2006-09-12]]
| url = http://countrystudies.us/bangladesh/21.htm
| title = Zia regime
| format = HTML
| accessdate = 2006-09-12
}}</ref> Zia is criticised by historians and the supporters of the Awami League for rehabilitating the assassins of Mujibur Rahman. Jurists regard this as a gross obstruction of justice and legitimisation of political murder, to which Zia himself fell victim.<ref name="Amnesty">{{cite web
| last =
| first = [[Amnesty International]]
| date = [[2006-09-19]]
| url = http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGASA130021997?open&of=ENG-BGD
| title = Mujib murder trial
| format = PHP
| accessdate = 2006-09-19
}}</ref> Also deeply controversial is Zia's rehabilitation of persons and political groups that had collaborated with the Pakistani army in carrying out atrocities against intellectuals and religious minorities.<ref name="Islamisation">{{cite news
| last =
| first = Bangladesh Observer
| date = [[2006-09-19]]
| url = http://www.bangladeshobserveronline.com/new/2006/06/06/editorial.htm
| title = BNP and Jamaat
| format = PHP
| accessdate = 2006-09-19
}}</ref> Zia is also criticised for creating a "managed democracy," which remained largely beholden to the military and his political party.<ref name="JSTOR5">{{cite web
| last = Haque
| first = Azizul
| date = [[2006-08-31]]
| url = http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0004-4687(198002)20%3A2%3C217%3AB1CFAS%3E2.0.CO%3B2-0
| pages = pp. 217-30
| publisher = Asian Survey, Vol. 20, No. 2, A Survey of Asia in 1979: Part II (Feb. 1980)
| title = Bangladesh 1979: Cry for a Sovereign Parliament
| format = HTML
| accessdate = 2006-08-31
}}</ref> In a verdict passed on [[August 30]] [[2005]] the [[Dhaka High Court]] declared the seizures of power by military coups between 1975 and 1979, including Zia's military regime as "unlawful and unconstitutional."<ref name="Court">{{cite news
| last =
| first = The Independent
| date = [[2006-08-12]]
| url = http://www.independent-bangladesh.com/news/aug/30/30082005ts.htm
| title = Court ruling makes Zia's rule "unconstitutional"
| format = PHP
| accessdate = 2006-09-12
}}</ref> Zia's martial law decrees, his ascendancy to the presidency in 1977 and the referendum held in 1978 were declared "unknown to the constitution." The court ruling overruled the Indemnity Act by which these very events were accorded a legal status and enshrined in the constitution.<ref name="Court">{{cite news
| last =
| first = The Independent
| date = [[2006-08-12]]
| url = http://www.independent-bangladesh.com/news/aug/30/30082005ts.htm
| title = Court ruling makes Zia's rule "unconstitutional"
| format = PHP
| accessdate = 2006-09-12
}}</ref>

While credited for ending the disorder of the final years of Sheikh Mujib's rule, Zia is assailed by his critics for suppressing opposition..<ref name="Rule">{{cite web
| last = Country Studies
| first = Bangladesh
| date = [[2006-09-12]]
| url = http://countrystudies.us/bangladesh/21.htm
| title = Zia regime
| format = HTML
| accessdate = 2006-09-12
}}</ref><ref name="JSTOR5">{{cite web
| last = Haque
| first = Azizul
| date = [[2006-08-31]]
| url = http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0004-4687(198002)20%3A2%3C217%3AB1CFAS%3E2.0.CO%3B2-0
| title = Zia's policies
| format = HTML
| accessdate = 2006-08-31
}}</ref> However, Zia's economic reforms are credited with rebuilding the economy and his move towards [[Islamization|Islamisation]] brought him the support of much of Bangladesh's Muslim-majority population.<ref name="Rule">{{cite web
| last = Country Studies
| first = Bangladesh
| date = [[2006-09-12]]
| url = http://countrystudies.us/bangladesh/21.htm
| title = Zia regime
| format = HTML
| accessdate = 2006-09-12
}}</ref><ref name="JSTOR5">{{cite web
| last = Haque
| first = Azizul
| date = [[2006-08-31]]
| url = http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0004-4687(198002)20%3A2%3C217%3AB1CFAS%3E2.0.CO%3B2-0
| pages = pp. 217-30
| publisher = Asian Survey, Vol. 20, No. 2, A Survey of Asia in 1979: Part II (Feb. 1980)
| title = Bangladesh 1979: Cry for a Sovereign Parliament
| format = HTML
| accessdate = 2006-08-31
}}</ref> His nationalist vision also appealed to many who resented the nation's strategic alliance with India and the [[Soviet Union]]. Moving away from Mujib's secularism, Zia asserted an Islamic political identity for Bangladesh and of membership in the wider community of Muslim nations.<ref name="SAAGI">{{cite web
| last = Raman
| first = B.
| date = [[2006-08-29]]
| url = http://www.saag.org/papers3/paper232.html
| title = Zia and Islam
| format = PHP
| accessdate = 2006-08-29
}}</ref> However, these measures also isolated and embittered many ethnic and religious minorities in Bangladesh, laying in the opinion of many historians the foundations of future communal and ethnic conflicts.<ref name="SAAGI">{{cite web
| last = Raman
| first = B.
| date = [[2006-08-29]]
| url = http://www.saag.org/papers3/paper232.html
| title = Zia and Islam
| format = PHP
| accessdate = 2006-08-29
}}</ref><ref name="Islamisation">{{cite news
| last =
| first = Bangladesh Observer
| date = [[2006-09-19]]
| url = http://www.bangladeshobserveronline.com/new/2006/06/06/editorial.htm
| title = BNP and Jamaat
| format = PHP
| accessdate = 2006-09-19
}}</ref>

Ziaur Rahman is survived by his wife Begum Khaleda Zia and his sons [[Tareq Rahman]] and Arafat Rahman. Begum Khaleda Zia became the head of the BNP and organised a coalition of political parties opposed to Ershad's regime. In elections held in 1991, Begum Khaleda Zia led the BNP to victory and became prime minister. She lost the 1996 elections to the Awami League's [[Sheikh Hasina Wajed]], the daughter of Mujibur Rahman but returned to power in 2001.<ref name="Election">{{cite web
| last =
| first = Bangladesh Permanent Mission to the U.N.
| date = [[2006-09-19]]
| url = http://www.un.int/bangladesh/gen/pm-bio.htm
| title = Prime Minister Begum Khaleda ZIa
| format = PHP
| accessdate = 2006-09-19
}}</ref> Tareq Rahman serves as BNP senior joint secretary, regarded by many as the architect of the BNP's 2001 election victory.<ref name="Tareq">{{cite news
| last = Frontline
| first = The Hindu
| date = [[2006-09-19]]
| url = http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl1914/19140590.htm
| title = Begum Khaleda and Tareq Rahman
| format = PHP
| accessdate = 2006-09-19
}}</ref> Zia's life and legacy are celebrated widely. [[November 7]] each year is celebrated as [[National Revolution and Solidarity Day]], commemorating the military coup that returned Zia to power.<ref name="NRSD">{{cite web
| last =
| first = Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
| date = [[2006-09-19]]
| url = http://www.bssnews.net/index.php?genID=BSS-06-2003-11-08&id=7
| title = National Revolution and Solidarity Day
| format = PHP
| accessdate = 2006-09-19
}}</ref> Zia is the namesake of many public institutions, including the [[Zia International Airport]] in Dhaka, which is the busiest airport in the nation. Zia has also been honoured by the SAARC for his statesmanship and vision.<ref name="Award">{{cite news
| last =
| first = VOA News
| date = [[2006-09-19]]
| url = http://www.voanews.com/bangla/archive/2004-07/a-2004-07-21-6-Bangladesh-s.cfm
| title = Zia given posthumous honour by SAARC
| format = PHP
| accessdate = 2006-09-19
}}</ref>

==See also==
{{BDesh}}
{{sequence|prev= Gen. [[Shafiullah]]|next= Lt. Gen. [[Hossain Mohammad Ershad]]|list=[[:Category:Chiefs of Army Staff, Bangladesh|Chiefs of Army Staff, Bangladesh]]}}
{{start box}}
{{succession box|title=[[List of Presidents of Bangladesh|President of Bangladesh]]|before=[[Abu Sadat Mohammad Sayem]]|after=[[Abdus Sattar]]|years=[[April 21]] [[1977]]&ndash;[[May 30]] [[1981]]}}
{{end box}}

==References==
{{IndicText}}
{{sisterlinks|Ziaur Rahman}}
<div class="references-small">
<references/>
</div>

==Further reading==
*Anthony Mascarenhas, ''[[Bangladesh: A Legacy of Blood]]''. ISBN 0-340-39420-X.
*Craig Baxter, ''Bangladesh: From a Nation to a State'' (1997), Westview Press. ISBN 0-8133-2854-3.
*Craig Baxter et al, ''Governance and Politics in South Asia'' (1998), Westview Press. ISBN 0-8133-3901-4.

{{featured article}}

==External links==
*[http://ethikana.com/bangladesh/greatpersonality/politicians_p5.htm Ziaur Rahman]
*[http://banglapedia.org/HT/R_0028.HTM Zia on Banglapedia]
*[http://www.virtualbangladesh.com/biography/zia.html Zia on Virtual Bangladesh]
*[http://www.bnpbd.com/zia.html BNP official website biography]
*[http://bogra.info/bogra5.html Bogra biography]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Rahman, Ziaur}}
[[Category:1936 births]]
[[Category:1981 deaths]]
[[Category:Bangladeshi politicians]]
[[Category:Presidents of Bangladesh]]
[[Category:Chiefs of Army Staff, Bangladesh]]
[[Category:Generals of the Bangladesh Liberation War]]

[[bn:জিয়াউর রহমান]]
[[fr:Ziaur Rahman]]

Revision as of 18:27, 3 April 2007

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