End of a historic chapter: PM

A chapter in Bangladesh’s history of struggle has come to an end with the death of President Mohammad Zillur Rahman, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said as she offered her condolences.

The President passed away in Singapore on Wednesday where he was receiving medical treatment. He was elected President on 2009 after the formation of the Awami League-led government.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (Media) Mahbubul Haque Shakil told bdnews24.com, the Prime Minister in her message of condolence highlighted various markers in the President’s political life.

She mentioned his role as an ‘irreplaceable companion’ to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman during the 1952 language movement – the fight for Bengali people’s right to self-rule – and during the liberation struggle of 1971.

She felt Zillur’s role in building the Awami League after Bangabandhu’s assassination in 1975 is ‘unforgettable’.

The Awami League chief also recalled Zillur Rahman’s contribution as the acting party chief during the 2007 state of emergency.

“The death of his beloved wife and close political associate, Ivy Rahman, in the Aug 21 grenade attacks could not deter him.”

She said her party under the able leadership of Rahman had got her released from the jail.

Hasina said Zillur Rahman would be remembered in the history of Bangladesh for his role in freeing democracy.