BNP didn’t exist in 1971, so its Liberation War claim is invalid, says Shafiqur

He accuses the BNP of monopolising the war’s legacy, similar to the Awami League

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman has questioned the BNP’s claim over the 1971 Liberation War, pointing out that the party had not even been formed at the time.

Speaking at an exchange meeting with the families of July slain and injured protesters in the capital, the Jamaat chief criticised the BNP for attempting to monopolise credit for major historical milestones.

“BNP now proudly says that 1971 is theirs, 1990 is theirs, and 2024 is theirs -- everything belongs to them and no one else,” he said.

“BNP was not even born in 1971, how can it belong to them?”

Addressing the role of Ziaur Rahman, the Jamaat leader acknowledged his contributions but warned against person-centric history.

“He gave the declaration -- the first time on his own behalf and the second time on behalf of someone else. He fought the war, and we certainly respect that. But if a single individual is given all the credit, where does that leave the other freedom fighters?”

He likened this approach to the "fascist" tactics of the previous Awami League administration, which he said also tried to monopolise the war’s legacy while disparaging Ziaur Rahman as a Pakistani agent.

“We do not want to see that kind of politics anymore,” he added.