'How can BNP be a party of the Liberation War if it was formed in 1978,' ATM Azhar questions

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami MP ATM Azharul Islam today (29 April) questioned the credentials of the BNP as a "pro-liberation force."

Participating in the discussion on the thanksgiving motion on the president's speech in parliament, he pointed out the chronological gap between the country's independence and the formation of the party.

"The Liberation War took place in 1971, while the BNP was founded on 1 September 1978. How can the BNP then be called a party of the Liberation War?" Azharul said.

He noted that while there are individual freedom fighters within the BNP, the same applies to Jamaat-e-Islami. "You can say there are freedom fighters in the BNP; similarly, there are freedom fighters in Jamaat-e-Islami too," he added.

Azharul expressed strong reservations about the current president, describing him as an associate of the "fascist" Awami League regime.

"We call the Awami League fascist. How did it get the opportunity to become fascist? It was through our country's laws and the direct cooperation of India," he alleged.

He questioned how he could support a president appointed under a regime he described as a "lackey of Indian hegemony."

The Jamaat MP also criticised the ruling party's decision to thank the president, questioning whether the move was intended to satisfy a particular power or external influence.

He raised concerns over the BNP's recent nominations for reserved women's seats, alleging that a female leader from the Awami League's Gopalganj unit had been nominated by the BNP.

"Is this due to your lack of capable leaders, or are you trying to please a certain power to stay in government?" Azharul asked, stating that the public deserved an explanation.

He also highlighted what he described as growing insecurity among lawmakers and party workers, alleging attacks by BNP activists in various parts of the country.

The Jamaat MP claimed that many workers were being harassed and suggested the introduction of "security cards" for protection. "I am not saying this to belittle you, but think about it. We call ourselves patriotic and democratic forces, yet today we MPs cannot move freely," he said, citing instances in which his constituents were reportedly insulted by BNP supporters while performing official duties.

A significant portion of his speech focused on his personal legal history.

Azharul  was previously sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal for crimes against humanity committed in 1971.

"I was a death-row convict in the Supreme Court. My execution could have happened at any moment," he said, crediting the "revolution or uprising" of 5 August 2024 for paving the way for his release, and offered prayers for the martyrs of the July movement.

The Jamaat MP, however, also paid tribute to former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

He credited Ziaur Rahman with establishing multi-party democracy and resisting hegemony through the "revolution of 7 November."

He praised Khaleda Zia as an "uncompromising leader" who strengthened parliamentary democracy.

Azharul reminded the House that Khaleda Zia had previously called for the release of Jamaat leaders, including Motiur Rahman Nizami, while they were in prison, suggesting that she prioritised national unity over divisive politics.

Concluding his speech, he said his party had faced severe persecution over the last 16 years, noting that 11 of its top leaders had been executed or had died in custody.

"A country cannot move forward through divisive politics," the Jamaat MP warned, urging the government and other political parties not to make statements that hurt public sentiment or undermine national unity.