BNP standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan has said Jamaat-e-Islami should apologize to the nation for its anti-Liberation War role in 1971.
Talking to reporters, after placing a wreath on BNP founder Ziaur Rahman’s grave on Wednesday, he also said their party wants the trial and punishment of all anti-Liberation War elements.
“All are demanding Jamaat offer an apology. Jamaat should be ashamed of its anti-Liberation War role or should apologize for it. It is a logical demand,” said the BNP leader.
Nazrul, also the coordinator of the BNP-led 20-Party Alliance, added: “We want the punishment and trial of those involved in anti-liberation acts.”
He continued that those who destroyed democracy—the greatest outcome of independence—in Bangladesh should also apologize to the nation.
“We think those who committed offences should offer an apology. We also should apologize to people if we have been involved in any wrongdoing. Unfortunately, such a culture is absent in our country,” the BNP leader observed.
Commenting on recent media reports that Jamaat formed a committee to launch a new party, Nazrul said that is Jamaat’s internal matter.
Replying to another question, he said Jamaat is still with the 20-Party Alliance. “Jamaat never told us that they do not want to remain with the 20-Party Alliance.”
The BNP leader also said Jamaat, as a political party, has the right to take a decision to quit the alliance.
About the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) KM Nurul Huda’s comment that the upazila election will be competitive, the BNP leader said the public has no confidence in the CEC.
“People across the country consider him an incompetent person and they accuse him of ruining the country’s election system with his biased role in favour of one party,” he told reporters.
Earlier in the day—Nazrul together with leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Tanti Dal—paid homage to Zia by placing a wreath on his grave at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, in the city, marking the 39th founding anniversary of the organization.
They also offered a munajat seeking eternal peace of Zia’s departed soul.
