Has Jamaat taken 'monopoly' over Islam, asks Salahuddin Ahmed
Criticising Jamaat, the senior BNP leader alleged that the party is now attempting to reinterpret the history of independence and the Liberation War.
BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed today (6 February) questioned whether Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has taken a "monopoly" over Islam, criticising the party's political narrative and its stance on the country's history.
He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at an election rally in support of BNP-nominated candidate Lutfur Rahman Kajol for the Cox's Bazar-3 constituency. The rally was held at the Bir Muktijoddha field in Cox's Bazar town.
Referring to Ziaur Rahman's leadership, Salahuddin said the late president promoted a Bangladeshi national identity that transcended religion, ethnicity and culture, uniting people from plains and hill tracts alike. "We do not believe in dividing people on the basis of religion," he said.
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Criticising Jamaat, the senior BNP leader alleged that the party is now attempting to reinterpret the history of independence and the Liberation War.
He questioned how those who once opposed Bangladesh's independence and the Liberation War could now claim to speak on the country's freedom.
He further alleged that Jamaat is trying to deny the true history of independence by presenting distorted narratives. "History clearly records that Ziaur Rahman, then a major, declared Bangladesh's independence during the night of 25 March and the early hours of 26 March, which is why 26 March is observed as Independence Day."
During the rally, he urged voters to cast their ballots in favour of BNP candidate Lutfur Rahman Kajol in the Cox's Bazar-3 constituency.
The rally began at around 3pm and continued until nearly 6pm. BNP leaders, activists, and representatives from various affiliated and professional organisations were present, with supporters gathering at the venue hours before the programme began.
