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.