Jamaat’s Azad says rejecting Liberation War equivalent to rejecting Bangladesh

He says accepting Bangladesh’s independence is essential for participation in politics

AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad, assistant secretary general of Jamaat-e-Islami, has said denying the nation's Liberation War is equivalent to denying the existence of Bangladesh itself.

On Sunday, Azad stressed that Jamaat, like other political parties, accepts Bangladesh's existence and works within the country's legal and constitutional frameworks.

The comments came after a meeting of the National Consensus Commission on the implementation of the July Charter, which included different political parties, including Jamaat.

Azad emphasised that the Charter reflects the people's aspirations, not just a political stance, and that it must be respected for the future of the nation.

"The Liberation War is an achievement of our nation, and we’ve repeatedly said this. Accepting Bangladesh means accepting the Liberation War," Azad said, responding to questions about those who refuse to acknowledge the struggle for independence.

He also discussed the need for reforms in the country’s constitutional order, referring to the possibility of implementing the “Constitutional Order 2025”.

Azad said this order would strengthen the legal framework and prevent any challenges against it.

When questioned about those who do not accept the Liberation War, Azad said such individuals would find it difficult to participate in future elections.

Jamaat, often criticised for its stance during the 1971 Liberation War, has faced calls from different political groups, including the BNP, to apologise for its actions and move forward in mainstream politics.

The party, however, has consistently rejected the International Crimes Tribunal's verdicts putting its leaders to death, calling them “judicial killings”, and has never formally apologised for its role in the war.