Jamaat-e-Islami trying to justify its role in 1971: BNP leader Hafiz

The BNP leader criticises the party that opposed Bangladesh's independence in the 1971 war for not offering public apology

BNP Standing Committee member M Hafiz Uddin Ahmed has criticised Jamaat-e-Islami for attempting to justify its role in the 1971 Liberation War rather than offering an apology to the people.

"We thought there was an opportunity now. Perhaps they [Jamaat-e-Islami] would apologise to the people for their role in 1971. Instead, they are trying to justify their role during that period and are now presenting themselves as patriots," Hafiz said.

He made these remarks at a meeting on Thursday titled “The Liberation War of 1971 is the Greatest Pride of the Nation in a Thousand Years”, organised by the Bangladesh Nationalist Freedom Fighters' Party at the National Press Club.

Hafiz said, "Jamaat-e-Islami has said only the military and Jamaat are patriotic in this country. We are hurt by this statement. The army participated in the Liberation War. An army born out of the Liberation War, which fought for nine months to free the country under the leadership of Maj Ziaur Rahman with the soldiers and officers of the then East Bengal Regiment and EPR."

"The Bangladesh Army does not need anyone’s certificate to prove its patriotism. Their past role, role in 1971, and current role testify to the fact that they have always stood by the people and will continue to do so. I was surprised by Jamaat's statement."

On Dec 25, at a gathering in Rangpur’s Paglapir, Jamaat chief Shafiqur Rahman said: "There are two proven patriotic forces in the country – the military and Jamaat-e-Islami. The Awami League government has harmed both these forces, having already harmed the military and then moved to dismantle Jamaat."

Amid widespread criticism of this statement, Hafiz remarked: "We have always considered them as allies. When the fascist forces oppressed them, we expressed sympathy. When their party was banned, we allowed them to contest elections with the paddy sheaf symbol."

"Begum Khaleda Zia included them in the cabinet. Many of us did not like it, but we accepted it for the sake of party discipline. Is their current statement appropriate in return for our support? We did not expect such remarks from them."

Commenting that such statements could create division in the ”iron-solid unity” among political parties, he added: "They should be more cautious in the future. 1971 was a people's war that led to geographical change and a new flag. A nation becomes independent only once."

"Those who opposed the Liberation War in 1971 may try to devalue this great war to get rid of their stigma. This is very unfortunate."

The senior BNP leader also said: "We are surprised. In 1947, the people wanted Pakistan, but Jamaat opposed it. In 1971, they opposed the Liberation War, took up arms against us, which is well-documented."

"Despite that, after independence, due to Awami misrule, we sheltered them in our alliance. We expected them to do politics with us, seek forgiveness for past mistakes, and dedicate themselves to building this independent country. That was the wish of every BNP worker and our leader Begum Khaleda Zia."

"We have always provided them with sympathy and support. We included them in our alliance and still consider them as friends. At a time when conspiracies are being hatched against BNP, we reject with disdain their implied statement that they are patriots while Shaheed Zia and his party BNP are traitors."