DHAKA: India on Saturday recalled former Bangladesh President Zia-ur-Rahman’s historic radio broadcast in which he had declared the country’s independence, referring to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and called on people to oppose the Pakistan Army amid a military crackdown marked by widespread killings and mass atrocities.On the occasion of Zia’s 45th death anniversary, India remembered Zia, father of current Prime Minister Tariq Rehman, and his famous radio address of March 1971, calling him one of the country’s bravest sons.The Indian High Commission in Dhaka said in a message, “As the people of Bangladesh gather today to remember one of their country’s bravest sons – martyred President Zia-ur-Rahman, Bir Uttam – we recall his famous radio address of March 1971, which enthused the masses, inspired them on the path of resistance against oppression and led to national liberation.”“Today, as then, India stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of Bangladesh in a saga of shared sacrifices and a shared journey towards progress and prosperity,” the message said.As soon as Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared the independence of Bangladesh, resistance began in Chittagong city and many other areas. On behalf of Bangabandhu, Major Zia-ur-Rahman made a radio broadcast from the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra at Kalurghat, north of Chittagong city, at 7:45 pm on 27 March.