<i>Zia was first president of Bangladesh</i>

Ziaur Rahman was the first president of Bangladesh, as he took charge of the country after proclaiming independence in 1971, senior BNP leaders claimed yesterday.
It was his leadership that won the nation independence, they added.
The opposition leaders were addressing a discussion organised by BNP at the city's Mahanagar Natya Mancha on the occasion of the Independence Day.
BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia attended the programme as chief guest, but did not speak.
Party's Secretary General Khandaker Delwar Hossain, who presided over the discussion, said Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's March 7 speech was not a declaration of independence.
“Even Awami League leaders AK Khandaker, Major (retd) Rafiqul Islam and Subid Ali Bhuiyan in their books say Zia declared independence,” he added.
The ruling AL is now creating confusion over the issue only to divert people's attention from the anti-government movement, he said.
Former law minister Moudud Ahmed said there is no room for causing confusion that Zia was the proclaimer of independence.
Rafiqul Islam Mian said Zia led the Liberation War, and Bangladesh gained independence under his leadership.
Mirza Abbas said the country's sovereignty is safe only in the hands of BNP, as Bangladesh became independent following Zia's declaration.
Sadeque Hossain Khoka said Zia not only declare independence but also took charge of the Bangladesh government.
“He is the proclaimer of independence and the country's first president,” added the DCC mayor.
Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury said Zia in his declaration introduced himself as provincial head of the state.
He claimed he had read Zia's declaration several times, but could not preserve the document, as he had been arrested by the Pakistani army.
Meanwhile, BNP standing committee member Jamiruddin Sircar yesterday said the government has started the process of war crimes trial only to weaken the opposition.
“The trial after 40 years is to demean a certain quarter or party,” he added.
He was talking to reporters at Ziaur Rahman's grave, where he went to place wreaths with newly elected Supreme Court Bar Association leaders.
He said it would be suicidal if the government tries to repress the opposition in the name of trying the war criminals.
Sircar, also former speaker, however, said they will cooperate with the government if it holds the trial properly.
HUDA MADE BNP VICE-CHAIRMAN
Nazmul Huda has been made BNP's vice-chairman and Mir Mohammed Nasir Uddin a member of the party's advisory council.
A statement signed by the party's joint secretary general Rizvi Ahmed on Thursday said Khaleda Zia nominated the two under the authority given to her by the national council on December 8.
BNP now has 16 vice-chairmen and a 33-member advisory council.