Awami League cannot wash their hands off 2024 bloodstains nor Jamaat off 1971: Info minister

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon said neither the Awami League nor Jamaat-e-Islami can erase what he described as "bloodstains" from their respective roles in 2024 and 1971.

Taking part in the discussion on the motion of thanks on the President's speech in the parliament yesterday (29 April), the minister said, "Just as the bloodstains of 2024 cannot be erased from the hands of the Awami League, similarly, the bloodstains of 1971 cannot be erased from the hands and bodies of Jamaat-e-Islami."

He said even if the defeated Awami League returns to parliament and demands that the events of July 2024 not be discussed, "the bloodstains on its hands will not be erased."

Referring to Jamaat-e-Islami, he added that as the principal party in the 11-party alliance, it must remember its opposition to the 1971 Liberation War and its support for a united Pakistan at the time.

The minister further said, "Even now, some leaders of Jamaat have stated in their speeches that they want to establish Sharia law. There must be a clear understanding of this issue."

He noted that the tensions seen in parliament are not merely a reflection of current political behaviour but stem from deeper ideological conflicts.

"When religion is used for political purposes, when the spirit of independence is commodified, and when the July uprising of martyrs is turned into political capital, such behaviour from political parties and activists becomes inevitable," he said.

Describing the current parliament as a reflection of a different and more diverse political reality, Swapon said it is more varied than the previous 12 parliaments, with changing voting patterns and political alignments shaping a new democratic landscape.

He also highlighted the role of the BNP in various political phases, mentioning its leadership under Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman in addressing national crises at different times. Referring to key moments such as 1971, 1975, 1982 and 2024, the minister said the BNP had played significant roles during these political transitions and movements.

On the economy, he said the government assumed office amid a situation burdened with nearly Tk30 lakh crore in debt, but is working to stabilise conditions.

He added that daily turnover in the stock market has increased from around Tk500 crore to Tk1,000 crore, while remittance inflows have also improved.

Touching on the global situation, he said conflict in the Middle East and tensions around the Strait of Hormuz are affecting energy imports and contributing to global economic instability, adding that a national consensus has emerged in parliament on these issues.

The minister said the law and order situation is gradually improving, as earlier informed by the home minister, and noted that the upcoming national budget, expected to be around Tk8 lakh crore, will pose a significant challenge.

He urged the opposition and the 11-party alliance to play a constructive role, stressing the need for unity in national development and responsible conduct within parliament. "Religion, the spirit of independence, or the history of movements should not be used for political purposes," he said, adding that such practices continue to influence political behaviour.