Hafiz: Jamaat Trying to Justify Anti-Independence Role

Staff Reporter

BNP Standing Committee Member Hafiz Uddin Ahmed has strongly criticized Jamaat-e-Islami for attempting to justify its controversial stance during Bangladesh’s Liberation War.

Hafiz expressed disappointment, stating that instead of apologizing to the nation for their actions in 1971, Jamaat is trying to legitimize their role and portray themselves as patriots.

“We thought they would use this opportunity to apologize for their mistakes during the Liberation War,” Hafiz said. “But instead, they are attempting to justify their position from that time and claim themselves as patriots.”

Speaking at a seminar titled “The Liberation War of 1971: The Nation’s Greatest Pride” organized by the BNP-affiliated Muktijoddha Dal at the National Press Club on Thursday, Hafiz also expressed dismay over Jamaat’s recent comments labeling themselves and the military as the only patriotic forces in Bangladesh.

“Jamaat-e-Islami’s claim that only the military and their party are truly patriotic forces is deeply concerning,” Hafiz said. “Our military emerged from the Liberation War, with officers and soldiers from the East Bengal Regiment and EPR, led by Major Ziaur Rahman, fighting for the people’s freedom.”

Hafiz stressed that Bangladesh’s military does not need validation to prove its patriotism, as its role in the Liberation War and its continued service to the people speak for themselves.

Jamaat’s remarks were made during a rally in Rangpur’s Paglapir on December 25, where Jamaat Amir Shafiqur Rahman claimed, “There are two tested patriotic forces in the country: the military and Jamaat-e-Islami. The Awami League government has weakened both.”

Hafiz responded, saying the BNP had long considered Jamaat an ally, even showing solidarity when the party faced bans and oppression under the ruling government. However, he questioned the appropriateness of Jamaat’s recent statements, suggesting they could undermine the unity among opposition forces.

“The Liberation War was a people’s struggle, a rare and transformative event for a nation,” Hafiz said. “Those who opposed it are now attempting to rewrite history and diminish its significance, which is unfortunate.”

Hafiz recalled that Jamaat had opposed the Pakistan movement in 1947 and also fought against Bangladesh’s independence in 1971. Despite this, the BNP included them as allies in hopes of reconciliation and nation-building.

“We always viewed them as friends, even amidst conspiracies against the BNP,” Hafiz said. “However, their recent remarks, suggesting themselves as patriots while indirectly casting doubts on us, are unacceptable.”