Khaleda rejects Zafrullah’s call to leave Jamaat out of BNP-led alliance

Khaleda Zia has refused to drop Jamaat-e-Islami, which has seen its leaders stand trial on charges of war crimes, out of the opposition coaltion.

Pro-BNP professionals’ leader Zafrullah Chowdhury on Thursday demanded that Jamaat be left out of the 20-Party Alliance the BNP leads.

“You (Khaleda) will have to launch a movement like the one of 1991 taking everyone on board. Jamaat...their ancestors had committed crimes. If they want to be with you, they will have to admit once again that their ancestors had done mistakes and have been punished for these,” the Gonoshasthaya Kendra founder said.

“But those of us who believe in the spirit of Liberation War, offer prayers at graves of freedom fighters...keep us with you. Take Dr Kamal Hossain, Kader Siddique. Our Oli Ahmads (LDP chief) and Badruddoza Chowdhury (Bikalpadhara Bangladesh chief) are not with you...

“...Please leave Jamaat out,” Chowdhury urged Khaleda at the programme organised by Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal.

Khaleda delivered her speech after Chowdhury, a freedom fighter.

“He (Chowdhury) speaks well, speaks the truth and gives advices despite his illness,” she said.

“I can follow some of his advices, but can’t follow some others because of the political stance of our party,” she added.  

“We want you to bring the others like you. I will talk to all wherever they want. I am ready for talks,” Khaleda said.

“I am not ready for doing anything [wrong] with anyone. We will have to unite to save the country and build it for the next generation,” she added.        

Jamaat has been in the BNP-led alliance for two decades. Most of the top Jamaat leaders have been convicted of war crimes. Trial of some others is still under way.