DHAKA: A debate emerged as BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and her son Tarique Rahman had claimed Ziaur Rahman as the first President of the country while BNP website mentions him as the seventh President.

However, the premier of the country Sheikh Hasina opposed the statement of BNP chief claming Ziaur Rahman as first President of the country.

Earlier on Tuesday, Tarique Rahman claimed his father as the maiden President of the country and proclaimer of independence.

Moreover, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia also claimed the same on Thursday at city’s Engineers Institute auditorium.

On the other hand the website of the party (https://bangladeshnationalistparty-bnp.org) proves their statement false.

After a shorter while, the Prime Minister of the country and daughter of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Sheikh Hasina opposed their saying and said that the first President of the country was Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

She also said that the first President of the country was Sheikh Mujib and the Prime Minister was Tajuddin Ahmed according to the election of 1970.

Sheikh Hasina also criticized the activities of Ziaur Rahman and his cohorts during his presidential tenure in 1975.

She also criticized the falsehood of Khaleda and his son Tarique and scandal to the history of the country.

BDST: 1054 HRS, MAR 28, 2014

**Khaleda claims Zia 1st President