The organisation attributes the publication of the controversial lines to "the carelessness of the editorial staff"
Published : 31 Jan 2025, 12:54 AM
Islami Chhatra Shibir, the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, has decided to retract an article from its monthly publication, Chhatra Sangbad, after it faced widespread criticism over its controversial portrayal of the Liberation War and its freedom fighters.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, the Chhatra Shibir attributed the publication of the controversial lines to "the carelessness of the editorial staff" and pledged to take corrective measures.
The organisation also announced that the article would be removed from both print and online versions of the December issue.
Penned by Ahmed Afghani, the article states: "Many Muslims got involved in the Liberation War without any realisation. It was their failure and shortsightedness. May Allah forgive them.”
This passage quickly became the focus of backlash, particularly from Chhatra Dal, the student wing of the BNP, which has long been in alliance with Shibir.
On Wednesday, the BNP’s student front in a press statement said: “The statement that someone joined the Liberation War by mistake or without understanding is nothing but the arrogance of the defeated forces of 1971 and their allies. It is a tactic to suppress the shame of their own defeat."
Chhatra Shibir stated that the Chhatra Sangbad has been publishing articles by various writers that reflect on the Liberation War. The publication has also consistently dedicated special issues to mark significant national occasions such as Independence Day and Victory Day.
"In keeping with this tradition, the December issue of Chhatra Sangbad featured several writings on the Liberation War. However, due to the carelessness of the editorial staff, a few controversial and unwanted lines regarding the Liberation War were inadvertently included in the article."
“Chhatra Sangbad sincerely regrets the publication of an unwanted article that questions the Great Liberation War into question and is withdrawing the controversial article from online. It is also withdrawing all print copies of the December 2024 issue.”