Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) Administrator Dr Shahadat Hossain on Saturday described November 7 as a pivotal chapter in Bangladesh’s history, saying the day’s significance as a symbol of the spirit of independence and national solidarity is undeniable.

“The revolution of November 7 is our inspiration. On this day, we broke the shackles of subjugation and embarked on a new journey,” he said. He added that the united role of soldiers and civilians ushered in a new chapter in the country’s political history, and that, to sustain the nation’s democratic progress and development, everyone must advance in unison, upholding the ideals of Shaheed Zia and inspired by the spirit of the Liberation War.

He spoke while laying a floral wreath on behalf of the CCC at Biplab Udyan, near Gate No. 2 in Sholoshahar, a site associated with the memory of Ziaur Rahman, to mark National Revolution and Solidarity Day.

The administrator said the spirit of November 7 must be cherished to resist foreign domination. Recalling Ziaur Rahman’s towering role in the 1971 War of Liberation, he said the country’s soldiers and people freed him from confinement on November 7 and brought him to the centre of power. The revolution, he said, foiled a conspiracy to bind the country in servitude, and its spirit must be spread among the young generation to safeguard independence and sovereignty.

Describing Ziaur Rahman as the true architect of Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty and democracy, he said Zia had known when declaring independence in 1971 that he might face a court-martial, yet acted courageously on behalf of the people regardless of the consequences. The country’s reconstruction and the empowerment of its people began under his leadership, he said.

“Let our pledge today be that, upholding Shaheed Ziaur Rahman’s patriotism, integrity and ideals, we will work together to build a developed, prosperous and just Bangladesh,” he said.

Among those present were former general secretary of Chattogram Metropolitan BNP Abul Hashem Bakkar, the CCC’s acting chief executive officer and secretary Md Ashraful Amin, Chief Conservancy Officer Captain Shamim Mohammad Khan, Chief Education Officer Dr Kissinger Chakma, Chief Engineer Anisur Rahman, Chief Health Officer Dr Imam Hossain Rana, and other senior CCC officials, BNP leaders and trade union (CBA) representatives.