Assassination of Ziaur Rahman

Quick Facts: Who was Assassination of Ziaur Rahman?

Subject:

Assassination of Ziaur Rahman

Known for:

Sixth President of Bangladesh, assassinated in 1981 after a tumultuous political career.

Died:

1981

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Ziaur Rahman, the sixth president of Bangladesh, was assassinated by members of the Bangladesh Army on 30 May 1981 in the southeastern port city of Chittagong. Rahman went to Chittagong to arbitrate in a clash between the local leaders of his political party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). On the night of 30 May, a group of officers commandeered the Chittagong Circuit House, a government residence where Ziaur Rahman was staying, shooting him and several others. Ziaur Rahman's tenure as the President of Bangladesh began on 21 April 1977 by taking over the presidency from Abu Sadat Mohammad Sayem. He said with a hint of creating competition in the country's politics,"I will make politics difficult for the politicians." Less than 24 hours after taking office as president of Bangladesh, Zia announced a confidence referendum to gauge public views on his rule.

Career & Major Achievements

Critics suggested the confidence vote was his bid to legitimize his presidency. The referendum held on 30 May 1977 shocked political commentators and observers. According to the Election Commission of Bangladesh, Zia received 98.87% of the vote, with only 1% of voters opposing his views, raising serious questions about the process. With the plebiscite moot, Zia announced presidential elections the following year. It was the first presidential election held in Bangladesh after the political revolution.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Zia entered the election race as the candidate of the Nationalist Front, a six-party coalition that included Islamist parties like the Muslim League on one side and minority-led parties like the Federation of Scheduled Castes on the other. His main rival was General MAG Osmani, the commander-in-chief of the Bangladesh Liberation Army in 1971, who was supported by the Democratic Alliance, a platform of the Awami League and some left-wing parties. A group of parties led by Ataur Rahman boycotted the elections, including the Democratic League, the Islamic Democratic League, Jatiya Dal, the Jatiya League and the Krishak Sramik Party. In the presidential election held in 1978, Zia got about 76% of the votes and General Osmani got 21% according to the figures shared by the authorities. Osmani's supporters have claimed that the election was rigged and ballot boxes were stuffed across the country.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1971: 1971 Milestone — His main rival was General MAG Osmani, the commander-in-chief of the Bangladesh Liberation Army in 1971, who was supported by the Democratic Alliance, a platform of the Awami League and some left-wing parties.
2. 1977: 1977 Milestone — Ziaur Rahman's tenure as the President of Bangladesh began on 21 April 1977 by taking over the presidency from Abu Sadat Mohammad Sayem.
3. 1978: 1978 Milestone — In the presidential election held in 1978, Zia got about 76% of the votes and General Osmani got 21% according to the figures shared by the authorities.
4. 1981: Passing & Historical Legacy — Assassination of Ziaur Rahman passed away on 1981, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Notable Quotes by Assassination of Ziaur Rahman

“I will make politics difficult for the politicians.” (1977)

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Assassination of Ziaur Rahman

True or False: “Ziaur Rahman's presidency was marked by a period where religious and ethnic political affiliations were openly integrated into constitutional legitimacy.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The amendments allowed for the constitutional legitimacy of parties like Jamaat-e-Islami and the Muslim League, enabling religion-based politics during his tenure.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada — Historical peer (Died in 1977) (1977): Pioneering global spread of Krishna consciousness teachings and the Hare Krishna mantra.
• A Certain Ratio — Historical peer (Born in 1977) (1977): English post-punk band known for blending funk, disco, and Latin percussion.
• Abd El-Razzak El-Sanhuri — Historical peer (Died in 1971) (1971): Pioneering Egyptian jurist, celebrated for authoring the revised Civil Code of 1948.
• Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi — Historical peer (Born in 1971) (1971): Iraqi militant leader and founder of the Islamic State (IS)
• Adolf Dassler — Historical peer (Died in 1978) (1978): Pioneering German cobbler and inventor who founded the sportswear giant Adidas.
• 1981 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1981

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