bangladesh, Independnce Era, 1st 25 yrs. (contd-3)

Zia's attitude towards Democracy:

In June 1978, Zia won a five year term with a vote of 76 %. Democracy and constitutional order were fully restored when the ban on political parties were lifted. A new parliamentary election were held in Feb 1979. The AL and

BNP (Bangladesh National Party) founded by Zia, emerged as the two major Parties.

As Bangladesh's ruler Zia enacted several controversial measures, some to discipline the army, some to unify the country and some to win the support of Islamic political parties. He also didnot take any action on corrupted Awami League leaders.He re-introduced multi-party politics.He allowed Sheikh Hasina , the exile daughter of Mujib, to return to Bangladesh. He didnot disapprove Jamaat-e-Islami,an organisation in collaboration of Pakistani Army. He allowed Golam Azad, the exiled chief of Jamaat-e-Islami, to come backin July 1978 with a Pakistani Passport on a Visitor's Visa and allowed to stay even after the expiry of the Visa. He allowed to work in a Govt. office the assassins of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The Indemnity Ordinance proclaimed by President Mustaque was ratified by him in Parliament. Military coupsx had been legalised by Ershad by incorporating as a 5th amendment in the constitution.

Assassination

During his term of power Zia was criticised ruthless treatment of his army opposition. Zia's rehabilitation of some of the most cotroversial persons aroused fierce opposition amongst the supporters of Awami league. Zia went on tour on 29 May, 1981 to help resolve an intra-party political dispute in the regional BNP. Zia and his entourage stayed overnight at Chittagong Circuit House. In the early hrs. of the morning of 30 May,1981, he was assassinated byn agroup army officers along with six body guards and two aides.

After the assassination on 30 May, Ershad remained loyal to the Govt. ordered the army to suppress the coup attemptof Zia's associates led by Major general Abul Manzoor.He was buried at the Chandrima Uddan in the locality of Sher-e-Banglanagar in Dhaka.

Large Procession follow the funeral of Zia

Bangladesh, Independence Era,1st 25 yrs.( Contd-2)

Political Philosophy of Ziaur Rahman :
He coined a new term " Politics for Development" against the popular "term Power Politics." He travelled thousands of miles across the country on foot to drive home his message. He addressed countless public meeting, small nd large, to encourage people to work hard. His Khal Kata Karmasuchi to control annual flood was unique where people from all walks of life participated. Awami League leader Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir became a blue eyed boy of the president with the Ulshi Jadunathpur Project which was one of the exemplary success story of tis Khal Kata Karmashuchi. Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir , then deputy commissioner of Jessore District, planned and implemented the project with illustrative success. The country registered signicant rise in food production and near -autarky was achieved by 1978.
Zia moved to lead the nation in a new line unlike that of Bangabandhu.He issued a proclamation order amending the constitution , increasing the direct influence and role of Islam on the Govt. 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 Sariat and Sunnah. In article 25(20, Zia introduced the principle that the state shall endevour to consolidate , preserve, and strengthen fraternal relations among Muslim countries based on Islamic solidarity. Zia's edit tio the constitution redefined the nature of the republic from the secularism laid by Mujib and his supporters. Islamic religious education was introduced as a compulsory subject in schools, with provisions for non-muslim students their own religions.
In public speeches he enunciated his doctrine about nationalism which differ from Mujib's one. He formed a new political party BNP (Bangladesh National Party) .His national identity also differ from that of Mujib.
Claiming to promote an inclusive national identity , Zia reached out to non-Bengali areas such as santals, Garos, Manipuris, and chakmas , as well as the Urdu-speaking peoples of Bihari origin. However , many of these groups were predominantly Hindu and Budhists and differ from Zia's promotion of political Islam.
On july2, 1977, Zia organised a tribal convention to promote a dialogue betwwen the Govt. and the tribal groups.

Bangladesh, Independence Era (1st 25yrs) contd-1

After being President of Bangladesh, Zia had to take some measures rigidly to restore order in the country.The years of disorders had left most of Bangladesh's state institutions in disarray,with constan 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 to a large extent across the country as Zia crushed several attempted uprisings with ruthless measures, discipline was finally restored in the army.

In late Sept. 1977, a group of Japanese Red Army Terrorists hijacked an airplaneforced it to land in Dhaka. On Sep 30, while the attention of the Govt. riveted on this event, a mutiny broke out at Bogra. Although the mutiny was quickly quelled on the night of Oct 2, a second mutiny occured in Dhaka. The mutineers unsuccessfully attacked Zia's residence , captured Dhaka Radio for short time and killed a number of air force officers at Dhaka internationl airport, where they were gathered for negotiations with hijackers. The army quickly put down the rebillion, but the Govt. intelligence had failed and Zia promptly dismissed both the military and civilian intelligence chiefs. Special tribunals delt harshly with the large groups of bandits, smugglers and guerrilla bands operating across the country. The size of Bangladeshi police forces was doubled and the strength of the army increased from 50,000 to 90,000 soldiers.

When Zzia assumed the presidency after legalizing military coups and the revivsl of the multiparty system was seen again he appointed H.M.Ershad as new chief of army staff , promoting him to the rank of Lieutenant General. For his different qualities Ershad soon became Zia's closest politico-military counselor.

Domestic and Foreign policy;

Zia had taken note of the genuine problems of the country, which were,

i) Severe poverty, ii) chronic unemployment,iii) economic stringency and stagnation,iv) commitment to socialism.

Zia annonced a "19-point programme"with emphasis in self-reliance, rural development, decentralisation, and population control. H ehimself began to work hard and travelled through out the country addressing public meetings and asking every body to work hard . He focussed for agricultural and Industrial production specially in food and grains, and to integrate rural development through a variety of programms. With international lending agencies he started food-for-work programme in 1977. He promoted private sector development, export growth, and reversing of the collectivisation of farms. He launched major programms of constructing canals,power stations, dams, roads, and other public works. he established Gram Sarkar system of selfgovernmentand the "Village defence party" for security and crime prevention. He promoted primary and adult education programme. During this period , Bangladesh's economy achieved fast economic and industrial growth.

Zia took the task of reorienting Bangladesh's foreign policy to change the idea on india's dependencies and affinity with Siviet bloc he was developing close relations with US and Western Europe. He moved to harmonise ties with Saudi Arabis and Peoples Republic of ChinaZia's move towards Islamic state policies improved the nation's relation with middle-east.He proposed a regional basis cooperation organisation which was materialised in Ershad's time in 1985 namely SAARC ( South Asia Asociation for regional cooperation convened in Dhaka under the presidency of Ershad.

Bangladesh, Independence Era (1st 25 years)

The first parliamentary election of Bangladesh was held under the 1972 constitution inMarch 1973, Awami League under the leadership of Mujib won a massive victory. But to cope with the situation arising out of the famine of 1974, the continuing economic deterioration, and mounting civil disorder, Mujib took some drastic steps to curtail the democratic rights of the people and the Party which led to the assassination of Mujib (1972-1975) and the members of his famile and others except his two daughters who were in Germany at that time.
It was revealed that mid-level army officers organized the massacres. A new Govt. headed by Mujib's former associates Khandaker Mostaque (Aug 1975-Nov 1975 ).
Successive Military coups resulted in the emergence of Aemy chief of Staff Ge. Ziaur Rahman (Zia) as strong man . In the historic 7th Nov 1975, "Jatio Biplab O Sanghoti Dibosh" the army captured the powerfreed Major Zia. He pledged the army's support to the civilian govt. headed by President Chief Justice Sayam.
Lieutenant General Ziaur Rahman (19 Jan 1936-30 may 1981) was a chrismatic Bangladeshi war hero. He was born in the village of Bagbari in the Bogra District in north west Bangladesh. His father Mansur Rahman was a chemist serving in a Govt. Dept. in Kolkata. After partition he opted to go to Pakistan and was posted in Karachi. Zia was enroled in Academy School in Karachi. He was then admitted in D.J.College there in 1953.
In the same year he was admitted as an officer cadet in Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul.He was commissioned as a second Lieutenant in Pakistan Army in 1955. After serving for two years in Karachi, he was transferred to the Easrr Bengal Regiment in 1957. From 1959 to 1964 he worked in the in the Department of Military Intelligence. In 1960 , he married a young Bengali girl of 15, Khaleda Zia , of Dinajpur District. She joined her husband in Karachi in 1965, after finishing her studies living with her parents.During Indo-Pakistani war of 1965, Zia served in Khemkaran sectorin Punjab as the commander of a company of 300-500 soldiers. Zia got an award for his heroic performance there and obtained Hilal-e-Jurat medal and his unit got 2 Sitara-e Jurat medals and 9 Tamgha-e-Jurat medals. In 1966 he was appointed as a Military Instructor at the Pakistan Military Academy.

As an Instructor he raised two Battalion in East benagal. He joined as a second-in-command in the 2nd Battalion. At end of 60s, he went to West Germany for higher training as an officer. He came back when Bangladesh was devasted with Bhola cycloce. He was transferred to the 8th East BengalRegiment and posted at Chittagong as its second-in-command. His rank was Major.

One of the highest ranking Military officer Zia, during Liberation War , led his unit in Mutiny killed all the Pakistani officers and captured a radio station in Kalughat near Chittagong , which was called Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra. On March 27, addressing the people via radio, Zia read the independence declaration on behalf of Sheikh Mujibur Rahaman. He was appointed commander of Mukti Bahini.

He was working under General M.A.G.Osmani, the supreme Commander. He was the promoted to Major General and and used to see the development of the army.When Khandaker Mostaque, after assassination of Mujib, became the president Zia was promoted to the army chief replacing Maj. Gen. Shafiullah.

Zia became the 6th president of Bangladesh, on 21 April,1977.

Bangladesh, Assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman , father of the nation of Bangladesh, was assassinated in his residence in a military coup in the early hours of 15 Aug 1975, while he was serving as the lifelong president of the country by a ammendment of the constituion with the selp of his supporters.

Sheikh Mujib's Body lying on

the staircase of his home on

15 Aug 1975 after his

assassination.

Following the Independence of Bangladesh (Dec 1971), Mujib became the Prime Minister and later president of the newly formed state.He shut down step by step the roads of Democracy and formed a one Party BAKSAL, banning all the political parties and the newspapers other than the four circulated by the Govt by a constitutional changes. This incited the opponent political parties and CIA. Moreover Mujib's Govt was charged with corruption and nepotism. Last but not the least, the famine of 1974 ignited a military coup on the early 15 Aug 1975.

The conspirators were divided into three groups. One group attacked Mujib's House in road no. 32, Dhanmondi Residential Area in the Dhaka city . Mujib was killed on the stairs, and all the members of his family were also executed except for his two daughters who were in Germany at that time.

Three months later four major leaders of Awami League , Tajuddin Ahmed, Masur Ali, Syed Nazrul islam, and AHM Kamruzzamanwere arrested and jailed.( they would later murdered in the Jail on Nov 4,1975.

Trial

The Military took no action like court martial against the military officials who masterminded and participaated in the coup. No case was registered with thepolice either by relatives of Mujibor his party men. The newly president Khondokar Mustaq Ahmed gave them a blanket pardon for any acts committed on 15 Aug 1975.

However, Sheikh Hasina, Mujib's daughter, after winning the election in 1996, it repealed the ordinance. Bangabandhu murder trial started and Faruque and others were arrested . Rashid escaped since he was in Lybia at that time.

The trial ended in death sentences for Faruque and the major coup leaders.On 07 Aug 2007 the murder case hearing was resumed after 6 years.

Bangladesh, BAKSAL

Mujib's Govrnment soon began encountering increased dissatisfaction and discontent among the people of BangladeshHis programm of nationalism and socialism suffered a grear set back due to inefficient, corrupt and poor leadership.

Mujib focused almost entirely on national issues neglecting local issues and Government. Grassroots and local levels election were

Sheikh Mujib addresses the foundation meeting of BAKSAL neglected as a result democracy was weakened.Mujib was criticised for nepotism in appointing family mmbers to the important post.

Political unrest gave rise to increasesing violenceandd in response Mujib began inseasing his powers .On Jan 25,1975, Mujib declared a state of emergencyand his politial supporters approvd a constitutional amendmenr banning all opposition political parties.Mujib was declared president for his life and given extraordinary powers.His political supporters formed only political party Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Awami League-BAKSAL

But such things did not last long.

Bangladesh, 1970 elections

Awami League under Mujib's leadsership won a massive victory in 1970 election, in State Legislature ande centre. But were not allowed to form the govt. On March 7, 1971,Mujib called for independence and asked the people to launch a major campaign of civil disobedience and organised armed resistance at a mass gathering of people held at the Racecourse Greound in Dhaka

"The struggle now is our struggle for emancipation, the struggle now is the struggle for Independence."

Bangladesh with the assistance of India won the struggle for independence .

Sheikh Mujib with Maulan Bhasani in a protest rally

The Mukti Bahini and other militias amalgamated tgo form a new Bangladeshi army to which Indian forces transferred control on March 17. Mujib described the war as the biggest human disaster in the world claiming the deaths of 3 million people and rape of more than 200,000 women.

Bangladesh achieved recognition from major countries of the world including United Nations.

He charged the provisional Parliament to write a new constitution and proclaimed the four fundamental principles of "nationalism,secularism,democracy and socialism."

Mujib nationalised hundreds of industries and companies as well as abondoned land and capital and intiated land reformaimed at helping millions of poor farmers.

Major efforts were launched to rehabilitate an estimated 10 million refugees. A constitution was procaimed in 1973 and elections were held which resulted in Mujib and his party gaining absolute majority. A five year plan was released in 1973, focussed state investment in Agrculture, rural infrastructure and cottage industries.

But gradually Mujib began moving closer to political Islam in state and personal principles, though the state was committed to secularism. Mujib went to Lahore in 1974 to attend the OIC (organisation of Islamic conference).

In 1974, Bangladesh experienced the deadliest famine killing around 1.5 million peoplesin Hunger.It was a major source of discontent against Mujib's Govt. Amartya Sen commented that it was not for the food shortage but for the weak governance and democratic practices.