Shafiqur demands removal of Jamaat from list of forces freedom fighters fought against in 1971

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Shafiqur Rahman has demanded removal of his party from the list of forces fought against by freedom fighters in 1971, as included in the National Freedom Fighters' Council Act 2022.

He made the demand today (9 April), the 12th day of the first session of parliament, when Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Aazam Khan placed a bill to amend the law.

After his speech, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed said the NCP has not raised any objection to the bill and submitted its opinion to parliament in writing.

According to the National Freedom Fighters' Council Act 2022, "Bir Muktijoddha" refers to those who, between 26 March and 16 December 1971, took preparation and internal training in villages and towns within the country, or crossed into India to enlist in training camps to participate in the Liberation War and actively fought against the Pakistani occupation forces and their local collaborators, including Razakar, Al-Badr, Al-Shams, then Muslim League, Jamaat-e-Islami, Nezam-e-Islam, and peace committees.

The definition also includes members of the armed forces, East Pakistan Rifles (EPR), police, Mukti Bahini, the Mujibnagar government and other recognised forces, naval commandos and Ansar members.

In addition, women subjected to atrocities during the war (Birangona), and doctors, nurses and medical assistants who provided treatment to injured freedom fighters in field hospitals, are recognised as freedom fighters.

Objecting to this definition, Shafiqur Rahman said, "The names of the then Muslim League, Jamaat-e-Islami and Nezam-e-Islam were not included in the definition by the rulers after independence."

"Late President Ziaur Rahman did not include them. A three-time honourable prime minister also did not include them," he said.

He alleged that the inclusion came later. "This was incorporated into the definition by Sheikh Hasina… and later the interim government maintained that continuity with slight changes."

Referring to the inclusion of the three parties alongside auxiliary forces, he said, "What is here? The names of three organisations – the then Muslim League, Jamaat-e-Islami and Nezam-e-Islam – have been mentioned along with auxiliary forces of the Pakistani army."

"Allah knows best who played what role in 1971. We are only partial witnesses, but Allah is the complete witness," he said.

He added that political parties should act responsibly towards the people and conduct their activities with love for the country. "We want all political organisations to work in a healthy political environment… We do not want further division in this nation."

Paying tribute, he said, "Those who fought in 1947 and again in the great Liberation War 23 years later, we express deep respect to all of them."

He prayed for those who died, saying he sought forgiveness for their souls and that they be accepted as martyrs.

Shafiqur Rahman said people had hoped after independence that Bangladesh would become a humane state where justice would be established and people could live in peace, but "much of it turned out the opposite".

He said the war had become inevitable due to the denial of the people's mandate and added that later rulers failed to respect that mandate.

"At one stage, they abolished multiparty democracy and introduced one-party Baksal. This parliament passed it within seven minutes," he said.

He said all political parties, including the Awami League, were banned at that time.

Referring to later developments, he said multiparty democracy was restored under the late president Ziaur Rahman. "The nation benefited from that, and today's parliament is also part of that continuity."

"He could understand the language of the people's mind," he said, adding that people across political lines prayed for him after his assassination.

He also said that after his death, the country entered a period of instability.

Shafiqur Rahman said that in 1979, through the Political Parties Revival Act, political parties – including Awami League – regained the right to operate.

"We also regained that right at that time. We remain grateful… and we have been conducting our political and organisational activities since 1979 with that sense of responsibility and commitment," he said.

Calling for unity, he said, "We do not want division anymore. Let all parties commit to building a united and dignified nation."

Concluding his remarks, he said, "I place this matter before this honourable parliament and end my speech here."