Tell me a bio of Ziaur Rahman.

Include key facts about their life, career, achievements, and impact.

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Ziaur Rahman was a Bangladeshi politician and military officer who served as the third President of Bangladesh from 1977 until his death in 1981. He is considered one of the most influential figures in Bangladesh's history.

**Early Life and Education**

Ziaur Rahman was born on January 19, 1929, in Bagha, Pabna District, Bengal Presidency, British India (now Bangladesh). His father, Abdul Hamid Khan Bhuiyan, was a local landlord. Ziaur Rahman received his early education at the local school and later attended the Dhaka College. He graduated from the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, India, in 1952.

**Military Career**

Ziaur Rahman joined the Pakistan Army in 1952 and rose through the ranks. He played a key role in the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, leading the Mukti Bahini, the armed forces of the provisional government of Bangladesh. After Bangladesh gained independence, Ziaur Rahman became the Chief of the Army Staff and later the Chief Martial Law Administrator.

**Politics and Presidency**

In 1977, Ziaur Rahman seized power in a military coup and became the Chief Martial Law Administrator. He later became the President of Bangladesh in 1978, a position he held until his death in 1981. During his presidency, Ziaur Rahman implemented several key policies, including the establishment of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which became a dominant force in Bangladeshi politics.

**Achievements and Impact**

Ziaur Rahman's presidency was marked by several significant achievements, including:

1. **Establishment of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)**: Ziaur Rahman founded the BNP, which became a dominant force in Bangladeshi politics.
2. **Economic Development**: Ziaur Rahman implemented several economic policies, including the establishment of the Bangladesh Bank, which helped to stabilize the country's economy.
3. **Infrastructure Development**: Ziaur Rahman invested heavily in infrastructure development, including the construction of roads, bridges, and other public facilities.
4. **Foreign Policy**: Ziaur Rahman pursued a policy of non-alignment, maintaining good relations with both the United States and the Soviet Union.

**Death and Legacy**

Ziaur Rahman was assassinated on May 30, 1981, while he was attending a dinner party at the Chittagong Circuit House. His death led to a power struggle within the BNP, which ultimately led to the rise of his wife, Khaleda Zia, as the leader of the party.

Ziaur Rahman's legacy is complex and contested. While he is remembered for his role in Bangladesh's independence and his efforts to develop the country's economy and infrastructure, he is also criticized for his authoritarian style of governance and his role in suppressing opposition to his rule. Despite these criticisms, Ziaur Rahman remains a significant figure in Bangladeshi history and politics.
**Ziaur Rahman: The 7th President of Bangladesh**

Ziaur Rahman (January 19, 1929 - May 30, 1981) was a Bangladeshi politician and military officer who served as the 7th President of Bangladesh from 1977 until his assassination in 1981.

**Early Life and Education**

Ziaur Rahman was born in Bagbari, Belkushi, in the Sylhet District of British India (now Bangladesh). His father, Abdul Gafur, was a merchant and a local leader. Ziaur Rahman received his early education at the Sylhet Muslim High School and later at the Aligarh Muslim University in India. In 1949, he joined the Pakistan Army and underwent training in the Royal Military College in Dehradun, India.

**Military Career**

Ziaur Rahman's military career spanned over three decades, during which he fought in the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War and the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. He was a key leader in the Mukti Bahini, the armed forces of the provisional government of Bangladesh, and played a crucial role in the country's independence. After the war, he became the Commander of the Bangladeshi Army and rose to the rank of Lieutenant General.

**Politics and Presidency**

In 1975, Ziaur Rahman was involved in a military coup that overthrew the government of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the first President of Bangladesh. He later seized power in 1977, becoming the country's 7th President. During his presidency, he implemented several key policies and reforms, including the creation of the Jatiya Sangsad (National Parliament), the establishment of the country's diplomatic missions abroad, and the expansion of the country's infrastructure.

**Achievements and Impact**

Ziaur Rahman's presidency was marked by several significant achievements, including:

1. **Democratization**: He oversaw the introduction of a democratic system of government, with the election of a National Assembly and the establishment of a multiparty system.
2. **Infrastructure Development**: He initiated several large-scale infrastructure projects, including the construction of roads, bridges, and public buildings.
3. **Economic Development**: He implemented policies aimed at promoting economic growth and development, including the establishment of a National Board of Revenue and the creation of a number of economic zones.
4. **Defense Modernization**: He modernized the country's defense forces and implemented several key reforms to improve their effectiveness.

**Assassination**

Ziaur Rahman was assassinated on May 30, 1981, while he was on a state visit to Chittagong. He was killed by a group of military officers who were dissatisfied with his policies and leadership.

**Legacy**

Ziaur Rahman's legacy is complex and contested. Some view him as a key figure in Bangladesh's democratic development and a champion of economic growth and modernization. Others criticize his authoritarian tendencies and the human rights abuses that occurred during his presidency. Despite the controversies surrounding his life and rule, Ziaur Rahman remains a significant figure in Bangladesh's history and politics.