Children’s Best Friend President Ziaur Rahman : Modernization & Redefining Bangladesh for Children and Youth
A look into the history of one of the greatest leaders of Bangladesh, and how he prioritized children's well-being and development in a developing country where this very concept was ignored.
The Sea Drop Mag Team
May 12, 2026 | Issue 1
Shaheed (Martyr) President Ziaur Rahman, who ruled Bangladesh as a Chief Martial Administrator in 1976, and as the President from 1977 to 1981, is widely regarded as the best ruling leader of Bangladesh till now. Known for his incorruptible stance, honesty, his humble lifestyle and down-to-earth attitude, he was massively popular among the masses. Called a 'revolutionary leader', his tenure was marked with significant growth in food production, leading the country out of food insecurity, massive reforms in agriculture, education, economy, industrialization, healthcare, infrastructure development, society, culture and politics. His rule was seen as the 'golden era of Bangladeshi republic', with rapid positive growth in economy and industrialization, and establishment of multiparty democracy, press freedom and healthy pluralist politics. Among many of his reforms and his down-to-earth behavior, one particular was his dynamic connection with the children of Bangladesh. He basically normalized socializing with children, as head of the state, often going against security protocols. This was considered rare in a developing country like Bangladesh. Socializing with children helped him understand their educational and creative needs that needed to be fulfilled.
Ziaur Rahman interacting with children
Zia handshaking with a little girl [Colorized photo]
Ziaur Rahman, after becoming head of the state, gave great emphasis to education and literacy. As one of the founders and architects of modern Bangladesh, he first introduced ideological and policy shifts. Removing exclusive Bengali nationalism, he defined an inclusive new national identity by unifying geographical, cultural, and religious diversity: Bangladeshi Nationalism. In 1977, he formed the National Education Commission led by Dr. Mofizuddin Ahmed. This commission recommended the promotion of moral education, and the integration of professional skills into the mainstream curriculum. Zia encouraged a curriculum that prepared students for real-life challenges alongside religious moral values, especially within the context of an agrarian and industrializing economy. This vision was part of a larger commitment to self-reliance. Rather than imitating Western academic models, Zia spoke of an education system that strengthens the moral character of citizens while simultaneously encouraging an entrepreneurial mindset, the dignity of labor, and grassroots innovation. He often cited the example of Japan, where an educated and disciplined workforce led the post-war economic reconstruction.
September 15, 1978, Bangladesh Times newspaper
On September 14, 1978, President Zia organized an "Education Workshop" in Dhaka, attended by over a thousand teachers, researchers, and intellectuals. During his speech, he remarked:
"We must create innovation. Old methods will not suffice. If our current path were effective, our problems would have been solved by now. Therefore, we must think anew. However, that innovation must be acceptable to the people. If we bring something to the people that is not acceptable, no matter how quickly you create it, that report will be of no use."
This statement reflects how much importance he placed on public opinion and the religion, culture, and sentiments of the masses. Accordingly, he provided directives to restructure the curriculum, teaching methods, educational assessment, student-teacher relationships, and educational administration.
Ziaur Rahman inaugurating his mass literacy drive project in Faridpur, February 21, 1980
In 1980, when President Zia launched his 'Self-Reliant Village Government' (Gram Shorkar) program, he set four priority activities, one of which was the expansion of primary education. That same year, he introduced universal primary education and adult literacy programs. As part of the adult education drive, he made it mandatory for every secondary and higher secondary student to teach one illiterate person. At Zia's request, approximately 391,205 teachers and students formed 146,205 'Education Squads,' engaging in night schools across 345 sub-district areas to eradicate illiteracy.
Another significant aspect of Zia's philosophy was the emphasis on technical and vocational education. His tenure saw initiatives to expand polytechnic institutes and vocational training centers. The goal was to bridge the gap between academic education and the labor market—a challenge that remains critical today. Zia’s priorities foreshadowed today's demand for a technologically skilled workforce by emphasizing practical skills at the secondary level. Simultaneously, he integrated science, commerce, and agriculture into the Madrasa curriculum to move beyond strictly religious and Arabic studies.
Under his National Educational Development Project, thousands of new public schools and educational institutions were established, all over the country. Among the many famous public institutions that were established during his time are Dhaka Civil Aviation High School, Dhaka Barnamala Adarsha High School & College, Chittagong’s Agrabad Balika Bidyalay, Chittagong’s Hatey Khari School & College, and many more. He also encouraged the establishment of private institutions, with most being English version schools (that followed the National Curriculum of Bangladesh, but in English language) and English Medium schools (which mostly followed Cambridge curriculum and few often American curriculum). Some prestigious private schools like Scholastica School Dhaka, Playpen School Dhaka, Ispahani Public School & College Chittagong were established during his tenure. He increased investment for development of education sector, raised the number of military run merit-school cadet colleges from four to eight. Sylhet Cadet College, Rangpur Cadet College, Barisal Cadet College and Pabna Cadet College were the cadet colleges established by the Bangladesh Army under his initiatives. In 1980, he established uniform job rules for teachers and increased their salary. His decision in providing better opportunities and adequate funding to the teachers, helped the education sector to improve to an great extent, bringing much of the needed benefits to children all around the country. He also used to often bring experts and teachers from developed countries to train teachers in Bangladesh, for creating a better education system at ground level.
Ziaur Rahman visited schools in the city and encouraged girls to take science and technical education, and contribute to the society like their male counterparts equally. December 10, 1980 by Bangladesh Observer newspaper
Ziaur Rahman used to encourage girls to take up science and technical education, asking them to join their male counterparts in these fields equally. He heavily invested in rural education programs, vocational education & female education. His policies saw an increase in literacy rate. At the same time, Zia also made significant efforts to maintain a healthy academic environment on campuses. Following the student movements and violence during 1970s, he took initiatives to reduce political influence in educational institutions. He was troubled by the culture of political dominance, disruption of regular classes, partisan appointments, and divisions among teachers. He sought to bring discipline back to campuses, redirecting education toward its core goals: knowledge acquisition and research. He limited and regulated student politics, introduced codes of conduct, and aimed for transparency in recruitment and administration.
Ziaur Rahman visiting a school and interacting with the students. [Colorized photo]
He used to visit schools, colleges, and talk with students & often enjoy cultural programs and competitions, alongside the students and kids. He used to present awards to the participant students at the end of the events. As President, Zia did not just issue orders; he was a motivator for students. He was the first Bangladeshi head of state to organize receptions for meritorious students, inviting them to Bangabhaban (the official Presidential residence and office) to inspire them with patriotic fervor. He even joined students on educational tours to encourage them. There are also many touching stories of Ziaur Rahman’s interaction with students. One such common story is, when students would tell him about the problems of their schools, Zia used to smile and would tell them "not to worry about it". The next day, students would reportedly witness the problems of their schools being fixed and huge amount of funding sent for school’s development and maintenance. That’s how swift Zia was in fixing the education system and its infrastructures. This also goes on to show, how much he cared about the children of the country in general. After forming his political party BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party), he often organized cultural festivals and competitions for children under the banner of BNP or Bangladeshi Nationalism ideology, where he freely interacted with the children and kids.
Ziaur Rahman participating in a rally with students [Colorized photo]
Ziaur Rahman enjoying with students by beating the drum himself
In 1976, Ziaur Rahman established Bangladesh Shishu Academy (Children’s Academy). After becoming President in 1977, Ziaur Rahman started expanding Bangladesh Shishu Academy into all districts and cities of Bangladesh. The main objective of Shishu Academy is promoting cultural development of children, and nurturing their talents. In 1980, through Ziaur Rahman’s initiative, Shishu Academy started providing various training sessions on various cultural issues, which include: drawing, painting, music, dance, stage drama, recitation, elocution etc. There are also training on additional activities like Spoken English and computer literacy. Free training sessions are offered to the underprivileged children. Bangladesh Shishu Academy organizes events, competitions and festivals based on these cultural activities. Shishu Academy is also responsible for publication of various books, monthly journal, encyclopedia etc. for children. With Ziaur Rahman’s supervision, Shishu Academy also started participating in international competitions and sending children to various countries for cultural and artistic events. Under Ziaur Rahman’s initiative, Shishu Academy also established libraries for children. In short, Bangladesh Shishu Academy was one of the ambitious projects of Ziaur Rahman for the cultural, creative and educational development for the children in Bangladesh.
Zia receiving a painting of himself as a gift, from a female teenage artist. [Colorized photo]
Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman also established a state-of-the-art children’s park in Shahbagh, Dhaka in 1979. He named it ‘Dhaka Shishu Park’, which was later renamed to ‘Shaheed Zia Shishu Park’, after Ziaur Rahman’s brutal assassination on May 30, 1981. Ziaur Rahman wanted children to have a place for healthy recreation and enjoyment. During that time, children would famously say that "this park looked like a fairyland to them". The park was facilitated with different types of rides, contained beautiful gardens and was surrounded by green nature. It was the first of its kind in Bangladesh. It was also the first children’s park in Bangladesh. Then he starts the initiative of establishing such parks all over Bangladesh as well.
Dhaka Shishu Park in early 1980s
He also arranged state grants & funding for the production of healthy, meaningful and high quality movies. Under his instructions, several children’s movies were produced during this period, such as ‘Emiler Goyenda Bahini’ (Emil’s Detective Force), ‘Dumurer Phool’, ‘Oshikkhito’ (Uneducated), ‘Danpite Chhele’ (The Bad Lad) etc. This also contributed in the positive rise of Bangladeshi movie industry.
Posters of movies Dumurer Phool, Emiler Goyenda Bahini & Danpite Chhele
Ziaur Rahman inaugurating the Color TV Broadcast on BTV. December 16, 1980
Ziaur Rahman also took initiatives to bring Color Television Broadcast into Bangladesh. On December 16, 1980, he inaugurated the first Color TV Broadcast on state broadcaster BTV (Bangladesh Television) channel [ the only available television channel in Bangladesh back then]. Thus Bangladesh became the first country in South Asia to get the color broadcast. The aim was to modernize entertainment, television and make it colorful, especially for the children. Ziaur Rahman also invested for creating healthy, educational, family-friendly & high quality television shows, for children. He directed & financed BTV Production, several talented filmmakers & Bangladesh Shishu Academy (the very academy he established) to take necessary steps in producing high quality television shows. During his era, many good television shows were produced. One such example is, ‘Roj Roj ’ (Daily Daily), a popular television drama series among children and families. It was produced in 1981, and was one of the first color television shows in Bangladesh, and also the first television drama series of Bangladesh. Anyone from that period would remember that progressive, vibrant slice-of-life drama series. Under his supervision, BTV also started broadcasting high quality television dramas and movies from Western world, Europe, Turkey, Arab World and East Asia. His aim was to globalize Bangladeshi children and public, and acquaint them with other cultures and introduce them with different genres of entertainment (like sci-fi, fantasy, action thriller etc). Globally popular American television shows like Wild Wild West (1965), Space : 1999, Wonder Woman (1975–79), Incredible Hulk (1977), Star Trek The Original Series and many others were also broadcasted on BTV during his tenure. All of his policies directly and indirectly redefined Bangladeshi culture, entertainment and forged a refined national identity.
Three still scenes from ‘ Roj Roj ‘ (1981)
Zia signing an autograph to a kid. [Colorized photo]
President Ziaur Rahman was also focused on the physical and athletic development of children. During his time, all schools had arranged boys and girls scouts programs, for physical, mental and skill improvement for students. On March 23, 1979, his government also founded BNCC (Bangladesh National Cadet Corps), an institution managed by Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Navy & Bangladesh Air Force. BNCC was founded to provide military training to students all over the country. BNCC expanded their activities in educational institutions all over the country under his tenure, recruiting students who received basic military training. The actual aim was to develop young people as a supporting force for military and providing a second line of defense for the country. BNCC activities installed the qualities of discipline, patriotism, physical wellbeing, unity & self-defense abilities into the students. Students under BNCC also took part in many voluntary activities that included tree plantation, relief distribution, community service etc. Inter-school sports competitions also grew popular during Zia’s tenure.
Ziaur Rahman, known for his women empowerment policies, also helped laid the rooting foundation for women’s sports in Bangladesh. He initiated educational institutions to organize football and cricket tournaments for girls. For the first time ever, girls started playing football, cricket and other sports on the playground at an institutional level, breaking the societal norm of “only boys can play these games”. For the first time, inter-school sports (especially football) for girls were being organized all over the country, under Ziaur Rahman’s direction. This was the foundation for national level women’s sports in Bangladesh.
Female students at Viqarunnesa Noon School play in a football tournament for the first time. 10 August, 1977. [Colorized photo]
President Ziaur Rahman with his wife Begum Khaleda Zia, The First Lady, on the set of BTV for the occasion of ‘Notun Kuri ‘. 1979 (year). Photo Courtesy : BTV Senior Cameraman Maruf S.A.M Sayid. [Colorized Photo]
While being the Chief Martial Administrator, Ziaur Rahman realized that, Bangladesh needed a strong cultural and artistic base, and thus launched a cultural reality based talent show for children, named “Notun Kuri” (“New Bud”) in 1976 through the state television channel, BTV. The television show, Notun Kuri’s aim was to promote and facilitate cultural activities (like dancing, music, poetry, drama, painting, singing, debate competition, writing, fashion shows etc.) among children and kids. Notun Kuri also used to organize many festivals and competitions, and has helped create a very talented generation of artists in Bangladesh. Many popular actors, actresses, filmmakers and artists in Bangladesh like; Tamalika Karmakar, Nusrat Imrose Tisha, Azad Rahman Shakil, (Visual Artist) Firoz Mahmud and many others, were once child participants and winners in Notun Kuri. Zia also organized awards like 'Gold Cup' in Notun Kuri, to reward the winners and talented ones.
Ziaur Rahman’s aim was also to establish Bangladesh on the global stage through these new generation of talented children, who would have been able to export Bangladesh’s 'soft power' globally, in future — which would come in forms of music, dance & film-making. This would have created scopes for cultural exchanges and cultural preservation, while creating a strong cultural identity in Bangladesh and even economic growth. Ziaur Rahman believed that; creating a strong and talented generation of children in cultural fields, will contribute heavily to the prosperity of Bangladesh.
Ziaur Rahman on stage in Notun Kuri show, celebrating with kids. [Colorized photo]
According to Borhan Ahmed, writer and journalist, who has closely seen Ziaur Rahman and his rule, has wrote about how much President Ziaur Rahman loved to surround himself with children and kids. As a President, Ziaur Rahman used to invite kids and children to Bangabhaban (the official presidential palace). One would often find Zia with kids, sitting on the staircase or in the gardens or in the halls of the palace. Zia would chat and laugh with them. He used to listen to their problems and answer their questions, teach them about patriotism and other life lessons. Ziaur Rahman was also called affectionately as “Komol Bhaiya” (Komol brother) by the kids. Komol was also apparently the nickname of Zia. In Bengali language, “Komol” translates to 'soft'— in this case, “a person who’s soft and sensitive by heart”. Many writers, journalists, close people of Zia have also narrated the same.
Zia in a gathering with kids. [Enhanced & Colorized Photo]
A memoir from Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, a BNP politician who was close to Ziaur Rahman recalls a specific heart touching event from February, 1981. The event was also recorded in several other memoirs and books by others. Ziaur Rahman organized a children’s gathering as usual on that day. The gathered children and Zia mingled in a grand gathering. The children and teenagers were overwhelmed by the feeling of having President Zia as a friend. Suddenly, a child said, “ if I call you Komol Bhai, will you get angry?” At that moment, Zia answered the boy, “Today I am not Zia, I am your Komol Bhai (brother)”. At one point, the children started asking their Komol Bhai various questions : “Why do you go to the village so much? We will also go to the village with you. Will you take us ?” The children that day asked various other questions. Zia answered their questions in a very affectionate and friendly voice. Sometimes, he also asked them counter-questions in ways children would. It was a historic moment for a leader like him. Here are some parts of what Zia said in response to the various questions of children and teenagers — “ Why do I rush to the village? Friends, you have to keep one thing in your heart from this moment. There are thousands of children in the villages who are poor, innocent and helpless and neglected, who are just like you. You all have to think about those children along with us. They also have to be given all kinds of facilities. We all have to make them progress step by step. So that the innocent children of those helpless and sad parents in the villages are not neglected. They can play, study and eat to their full potential like you. Only then will all the children of the whole country be able to become human beings and become protectors of the country. Do you understand, friends?” Everyone answered in unison, “yes Komol Bhaiya”. Zia then replied, “ Remember this; you and them all have to be given equal opportunities. Otherwise, you know what will happen, brother? They will come to the city in droves and take away all your opportunities. They will hijack your happiness, you who are very happy. Therefore, be careful. We all have to work together so that they can get a good education like you, become good human beings like you and lead the country in the future. Remember, the villages and the farmers of the villages are the main source of building our country. We have to keep them awake and help them to live like normal human beings.”
While talking, he asked the children, “ tell me now, will you love all those brothers and sisters in the village?” “ Yes brother, we will love them well”. Zia asked again, “if we take you to the village with us, will you go? Will you work with them?” All the children replied, “yes brother, we will go with you and we will work with them”.
Several ministers were present at that event along with President Ziaur Rahman. He asked the ministers, “have you heard what these new budding children groups said ? Have you been able to understand the reflection of their interest and love for the country in their answers ? Give, give answers. I, along with my new bud friends present today, want to hear your answers. In the coming days, they will take over the power of the country. We have to hand over the power of the country to them. For that, we also have to be ready”.
President Ziaur Rahman participating with kids in a cultural event. [Colorized Photo]
In other memoirs of many others close to Ziaur Rahman and journalists (who witnessed Ziaur Rahman’s activities closely), the day of laying the foundational stone of Shishu Academy in 1976 has been described as a shining example of Zia’s fondness for children and adolescents. The memoirs describe that day with much details. According to the memoirs : That day, the stage for the event was under a huge awning. On one side of the stage was a group of children and adolescents, a group of young singers. On the other side was a band party of young musicians. It was raining heavily that day. When Zia came on stage, it was still raining. As soon as President Zia came on stage, the war song that was sung in a collective voice was by Bangladesh’s national and rebel poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. “Come on, come on, the music is playing in the sky….” said Ziaur Rahman, as he was excited and went among the young children and teenagers and mingled with them. Like all others, Zia also sang the song. Seeing this situation, the then BNP Secretary General Professor Dr. A.Q.M. Badruddoza Chowdhury also went to Zia’s side and sang to the tune of the band. After the song, Zia kissed the foreheads of many children and teenagers and held the children’s chins and caressed them. While caressing them, Zia asked a child, “what do you like to eat ?” The little boy was shy and kept quiet and biting his nails. He then said : “You like eating chocolate and ice cream, don’t you? I like it too much. I also eat it when I get a chance. But I don’t eat too much. Remember, friends, eating too much of these two delicious foods can damage your teeth. So you can’t eat too much.”
One of the memoirs cherishing that day of Shishu Academy’s foundational ceremony, written by BNP politician Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, where he expresses regret at the end in his writing by saying , “It is worth noting that from the beginning to the end, their friend Komol (Zia) spent time with the children as if they were a group of child journalists. Will all those children be able to forget their friend Komol from that time? Certainly not. After Ziaur Rahman’s martyrdom, has his beloved party (BNP) been able to attract hundreds of thousands of Zia’s child friends from all over the country to Zia’s philosophy ? If not, isn’t it a matter of great regret ?”
The contributions of Ziaur Rahman towards the children of Bangladesh is immense. He successfully redefined a Bangladesh friendly towards the development of children and youth. Sadly, many of his positive initiatives were shut down after his assassination. But even today, he stands as an ideal example of how a true leader should be, towards the children of his/her country. A President who is considered a “best friend” by kids, and is able to socialize with children so freely — such leaders have been rare in the history of the world. For a country like Bangladesh, Ziaur Rahman was one unique and rare personality within a leader — “The Beloved Komol Bhai” for children. Many of his policies towards children are still very much relevant to this day, and Bangladesh, as a developing country should strive to complete the unfulfilled dreams he left behind, for the betterment of the children of this country.
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