Ziaur Rahman
This article contains Bengali text. Without proper rendering support, you may see errors in display. Ziaur Rahman (Bengali: জ য উর রহম ন Ji-yaur Rôhman) (19 January 1936 – 30 May 1981) was a Bangladeshi politician and first military dictator who served as the 7th President of Bangladesh from 21 April 1977 until his death in 30 May 1981. He was the announcer of the Bangladesh Liberation War on behalf of Bangabandhu. He formed and was commander of the Central Sector, BDF (Bangladesh Defense Forces) Sector 11, during the nations war of independence in 1971. Later turned politician, he formed one of the largest political parties, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party in 1978. A highly decorated and accomplished military officer, he was awarded Bir Uttom (the highest gallantry award for a living military personnel) for his wartime services, and retired from the Bangladesh Army as a Lieutenant General in 1979[citation needed]. During his administration as military ruler he founded the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). He is popularly known as Shaheed President Zia, meaning "martyred President Zia," in reference to his 1981 assassination.