The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Jatiya Party leader Kazi Zafar Ahmad's 69th birthday will be observed today (Tuesday).

Kazi Zafar Ahmad, a veteran politician was born on July 1, 1939 in a respectable Muslim family of Chouddgram upazila of Comilla district. His father Kazi Ahmad Ali was a renowned businessman, philanthropist and social activist, while his mother Tahera Khatun was an ideal woman.

Kazi Zafar Ahmad is widely known in the country's politics since 1960s. He made significant contributions to anti-Pakistan movements, Liberation War of 1971 and building the post-independence Bangladesh.

As a brilliant student, Kazi Zafar Ahmad got his BA (Hons), MA in History from Dhaka University after passing the SSC and HSC Examinations. He got involved in student politics when he was a college student and joined the Chatra Union. He was the general secretary (1959-1961) of Dhaka University Cultural Union and general secretary (1960-1961) of Dhaka University History Association. He also served in important positions of Chhatra Union at different times. He was also the general secretary of East Pakistan Chhatra Union (EPSU) from 1962 to 1964.

Kazi Zafar Ahmad served as president of Bangla Sramik Federation from 1967-85, general secretary of National Awami Party (NAP) from 1972 to 1974 and general secretary and chairman of United Peoples Party (UPP) from 1974 to 1986. He served in Ziaur Rahman's cabinet as Education Minister in 1978. Since 1986 he has been serving as prtesidium member of Jatiya Party.

Kazi Zafar Ahmad also served as political adiser to president, deputy prime minister and prime minister during the reign of Ershad government.

He was elected as parliament member thrice between 1986 and 1996.