Dhaka, Jan 09 (V7N) — BNP Standing Committee Member Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed expressed disappointment over Jamaat-e-Islami’s stance on their role during the Liberation War, accusing the party of attempting to justify their actions in 1971 rather than apologizing to the public.
He made these remarks at a seminar titled “The Liberation War of 1971: The Nation’s Greatest Pride in a Thousand Years” organized by the Bangladesh Nationalist Freedom Fighters’ Party at the National Press Club on Thursday.
Major Hafiz said, “We had hoped that Jamaat would seize the opportunity to seek forgiveness from the people for their 1971 actions. Instead, they are defending their role and presenting themselves as patriots.”
He emphasized the unmatched significance of the Liberation War, saying, “No event can be placed above the war for independence. The Liberation War stands supreme and will always be the greatest chapter in our nation’s history. We will not let anyone tarnish its legacy or divide its spirit.”
Referring to a recent statement from Jamaat, where the party claimed that “true patriots are only the military and Jamaat-e-Islami,” Major Hafiz expressed his dismay.
“This statement has deeply hurt us. The Bangladesh Army is a force that was born out of the Liberation War, composed of soldiers and officers of the then East Bengal Regiment and EPR under the leadership of Major Ziaur Rahman. They do not need validation of their patriotism from anyone.”
He further criticized Jamaat’s lack of sensitivity, noting that BNP had long treated Jamaat as an ally, even allowing their candidates to contest elections under BNP’s symbol and granting them positions in Khaleda Zia’s cabinet.
“We may not have always liked it, but we accepted it for the sake of party discipline. In return, this kind of rhetoric from Jamaat is unacceptable,” he said.
Major Hafiz also warned that such remarks could jeopardize the solidarity among political parties against the ruling government, saying: “The unity we have forged is crucial. Jamaat must be more cautious in the future.”
Addressing broader political concerns, Major Hafiz criticized India for extending Sheikh Hasina’s visa, suggesting it was part of a strategy to destabilize Bangladesh. He cautioned that any such interference would harm bilateral relations.
He also rejected the idea of forming a "King’s Party" and expressed respect for the recent student protests, urging them to remain vigilant and avoid manipulation.
“We commend their struggle and hope they continue to fight for the people’s cause, not for any puppet political agenda,” he said.
Concluding, Major Hafiz stressed the need for immediate elections, asserting that any delay would further aid “Sheikh Hasina’s conspiracies.”
He said, “The government must be run based on the people’s mandate. Fear of elections only proves their insecurities. Reform what needs to be reformed, but let the people decide the future.”
The seminar was presided over by Ishteaque Aziz Ulfat, president of the Bangladesh Nationalist Freedom Fighters’ Party, and was attended by BNP leaders, including Chairperson’s adviser Zainul Abedin Faruk and Abdus Salam.
END/MSS/AJ
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