Jamaat defends actions instead of apologising for 1971: Maj Hafiz
The BNP leader said Jamaat now believes they are now capable of contesting the elections independently, without the need for the BNP
Jamaat-e-Islami had an opportunity to apologise for their role in 1971, but instead, they are justifying their actions and presenting themselves as patriots, BNP Standing Committee member Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed said today (9 January).
Speaking at a discussion organised by the Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal at the Jatiya Press Club, the BNP leader criticised a recent statement from Jamaat-e-Islami, which claimed that the only true patriots in the country are the military and Jamaat itself.
"He said the remark has hurt us deeply… They [army] don't need anyone's certificate to prove their patriotism. Their past and present roles speak for themselves."
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He further said there is no comparison between the Liberation War and any other event in the country's history. "We will not allow anyone to tarnish the freedom struggle, and we do not want it to be divided."
The BNP leader further said that Jamaat now believes they are now capable of contesting the elections independently, without the need for the BNP. "They are most welcome and we accept that right… However, we hope to remain united in the future."
On a different note, he said the future of king's parties was never good in the past and will not be any better in the future.
"We are observing attempts to form a king's party in the country. Such parties have failed in the past and will fail again," Hafiz said.
Expressing respect to student leaders for their role in the July-August movements, he urged them not to engage in any attempts to create a king's party.
Regarding elections, he said the longer elections are delayed, the more opportunities Sheikh Hasina will have to engage in conspiracies.
Hafiz claimed that many advisers get unsettled when the matter of holding elections comes up.
"Don't delay elections for the sake of reforms," he said, addressing the interim government. "The reforms left will be addressed by the public. Now, focus on punishing the criminals and supporting the families of the victims [of July uprising ]."
Regarding India extending Sheikh Hasina's visa amid Bangladesh's demand for her extradition, Hafiz said the move indicates India plans to shelter her and use her to destabilise Bangladesh.
"If this continues, our friendly relations with India will no longer be possible," he warned.
