Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and opposition leader Shafiqur Rahman on Sunday said BNP did not exist during the 1971 Liberation War, accusing the party of claiming undue credit for key historical and political milestones.
He made the remarks while addressing a discussion meeting at the Institution of Diploma Engineers auditorium in Kakrail, organised by an 11-party alliance with participation from families of July martyrs and July movement participants.
“BNP proudly claims credit for 1971, 1990 and 2024. But the fact is, the party did not even exist during the Liberation War,” he said.
Referring to the Liberation War, the Jamaat ameer said Ziaur Rahman first declared independence on his own behalf and later on behalf of another individual, but argued that credit for the war should not be attributed to any single person.
He questioned, “If all credit is given to one person, then where do other freedom fighters stand?”
Referring to the past fascist period, he alleged that there were attempts to monopolise the Liberation War narrative, during which Ziaur Rahman was labelled a Pakistani agent and collaborator. He added, “Jamaat does not want to see that kind of politics anymore.”
The Jamaat ameer further accused BNP of beginning parliamentary proceedings without fulfilling constitutional reform commitments and of using majority strength to repeal ordinances related to public interest and national security. He said his party staged a walkout in protest.
“We have taken a stand against fascism,” he said, adding that several bills were passed without providing necessary documents to opposition members.
He also alleged that opposition lawmakers were subjected to political pressure, but said they resisted such attempts.
“As long as we can fight in Parliament, we will remain there. When we cannot, we will not stay even for a minute. The streets are familiar to us as well,” he said.
Shafiqur Rahman added that their struggle would continue with the people until “fascism is defeated and the people achieve victory.”
The programme was chaired by Opposition Chief Whip and NCP Convener Nahid Islam.
Among others, Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar, Labour Party Chairman Mostafizur Rahman Iran, JAGPA spokesperson Rashed Pradhan, NCP Chief Coordinator (North) Sarjis Alam, and 11-party alliance coordinator Hamidur Rahman Azad spoke at the event.
