Dhaka, Jan 10, (V7N) - Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) senior leader Maj (Retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed criticized Jamaat-e-Islami on Thursday for attempting to justify its actions during the 1971 Liberation War, instead of offering an apology as the country undergoes a political shift following the July mass uprising.

“An opportunity has now arisen (after the July mass uprising), and we hoped that Jamaat would apologize to the people for its role in 1971. Instead, they are trying to justify their actions and are presenting themselves as patriots,” Hafiz said during a discussion organized by the Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal, the freedom fighters' wing of BNP, at the Jatiya Press Club. The event was titled "The 1971 Liberation War is the greatest pride of the nation in a thousand years."

Hafiz, a BNP standing committee member, emphasized that certain factions are attempting to overshadow the significance of the Liberation War with the July mass uprising. “We cannot compare anything with the Liberation War. The 1971 Liberation War will remain above all things forever. We will not allow it to be stigmatized or divided,” he said.

The BNP leader also criticized Jamaat’s chief for his recent statement claiming that only the army and Jamaat-e-Islami are patriots, a remark which he said offended freedom fighters, BNP leaders, and party workers.

“The Bangladesh Army fought in the Liberation War, and it was a force built through the Liberation War. It was formed under the leadership of Major Ziaur Rahman, with soldiers and officers from the then East Bengal Regiment,” Hafiz added.

He went on to recall that BNP had always considered Jamaat as an ally, expressing sympathy when the Awami League government persecuted the party. When Jamaat was barred from participating in elections, BNP allowed them to take part using the 'Sheaf of Paddy' symbol.

Hafiz also mentioned that BNP’s party chief, Khaleda Zia, had offered Jamaat a place in her cabinet. “Many of us did not like it but accepted it for the sake of party discipline. Is it right for them to make such remarks in return? We do not expect such statements from them,” he said.

He warned that such remarks could jeopardize the unity formed among the people after the July mass uprising. Hafiz urged Jamaat to be more cautious with its political statements in the future.

While Jamaat might believe it can now contest elections independently, Hafiz said it should allow the people to judge its position. “There will be no test of your standing with the people if there is no election,” he added.

As a former minister, Hafiz stated that BNP wants Jamaat and other pro-democratic parties to remain united. He also highlighted that BNP Acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman, supports unity among democratic political parties.

“Now the misdeeds of the autocratic Awami League have been covered up. Various quarters and newspapers now want to see if there is any conflict between BNP and Jamaat. I would like to say that BNP is the most popular party in Bangladesh. We do not mind anyone's trivial talk,” Hafiz said.

Hafiz further urged the interim government to understand that delaying the election would only benefit Sheikh Hasina's agenda. “Why do you fear the people so much? People will vote. Why is it the cause of your fear? Leave this elitism. We want this state to be run based on the people’s opinion. Don’t take more time in the name of reforms.”

END/ SMA/MSS/