Ziaur Rahman

Ziaur Rahman (January 19, 1936 – May 30, 1981) was a Bangladeshi military officer and politician who served as the President of Bangladesh from 1977 until his assassination in 1981. He is widely credited with declaring Bangladesh's independence during the 1971 Liberation War, calling upon the people to take up arms against Pakistan. After independence, Zia rose to political prominence and became President through a referendum. He founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and initiated significant economic and political reforms. Under his presidency, Bangladesh took steps toward multiparty democracy and improved international relations. He was assassinated in a military coup at Chittagong on May 30, 1981. His wife, Khaleda Zia, later became the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh.