Sworn in as the 14th president of Bangladesh on 12 February 2009, Zillur Rahman ascended to the head of state after an uncontested election. His tenure followed a lifelong engagement with the political landscape of the region, spanning his early involvement in the 1952 language movement through decades of service as a lawmaker and party administrator.
Early Education and Activism
Born in 1929 in Bhairab Upazila, Zillur Rahman attended Bhairab K. B. High School before graduating from Dhaka College in 1947. He pursued higher education at the University of Dhaka, earning an MA in History and an LL.B. degree in 1954. During his student years, he became deeply involved in political agitation, including his participation in the 1952 Bengali language movement, which led to a brief expulsion from university.
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Zillur Rahman was elected to parliament in the 1970 national elections of Pakistan. Following the Bangladesh Liberation War, he served in the government-in-exile and later held the position of General Secretary of his political party in 1972 and 1974. His career was frequently interrupted by periods of incarceration, including a four-year term following the 1975 coup and a subsequent imprisonment in 1986.
Ministerial Roles and Presidency
Between 1996 and 2001, he served as the Minister of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives and as the deputy leader of parliament. After holding the position of temporary party president during the 2006–2008 political crisis, he became the President of Bangladesh in 2009. As president, he acted as the Supreme Commander of the Bangladesh Armed Forces and initiated diplomatic efforts with Cuba and the Organisation of Islamic Conference.
Exercise of Clemency Powers
During his presidency, Zillur Rahman utilized his constitutional authority to grant executive clemency to 21 individuals, a figure significantly higher than the four pardons issued by his predecessors between 1972 and 2008. His use of this power included the 2011 pardon of A H M Biplob, who had been convicted for the murder of a lawyer, and the subsequent remission of prison sentences in 2012.
Fast facts
- Born: 1929, Bhairab Upazila
- Died: 2013, Singapore
- Education: Dhaka College, University of Dhaka
- Presidential Term: 2009–2013
- Spouse: Ivy Rahman
- Children: Nazmul Hassan Papon, Tania Bakht, Tanima Bakht
- Languages: Bangla
- Religion: Islam
Questions readers ask
What was the cause of Zillur Rahman's death?
He died on 20 March 2013 at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore following a critical lung infection and ongoing treatment for respiratory and kidney problems.
Was he the first Bangladeshi president to die in office?
No, he was the third president to die in office, though he was the first to die of natural causes; his predecessors Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Ziaur Rahman were assassinated.
Achievements
- President of Bangladesh (2009–2013)
- minister
- Educated at University of Dhaka and Dhaka College
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