BNP Standing Committee Member Maj (Retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed said on Thursday, "Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is trying to justify its role during 1971 and present itself as the only patriotic political party of the country."
Speaking at a rally, "The Liberation War of '71, the greatest pride of the nation" organised by the Bangladesh Nationalist Freedom Fighters' Party at the National Press Club he said, "An opportunity had arisen for Jamaat-e-Islami to apologise to the people for their role in 1971, instead of justifying its role in 1971."
Hafiz said, "Today, a certain group is attempting to place the concept of a mass uprising above the freedom struggle. We cannot compare anything with the Liberation War and the freedom struggle."
"Above all, the Liberation War of 1971 will always remain supreme. We will not allow anyone to tarnish the freedom struggle. We also do not expect the Liberation War to become divided," he said.
Hafiz said, "Some days ago, a statement caught our attention. It was said by Jamaat-e-Islami that in this country, only the military (Army) and Jamaat-e-Islami are patriots. This statement has hurt us. The Bangladesh Army fought in the Liberation War; it was a force built through the Liberation War."
He said, "It was formed under the leadership of Maj Ziaur Rahman with soldiers and officers from the then East Bengal Regiment and EPR, and they fought the war to gain independence for the country."
"The army doesn't need a certificate from anyone to prove they are patriots. Their role in 1971 and beyond proves they have always stood by the people and will continue to do so in the future. But I am shocked by Jamaat-e-Islami's statement," he said.
Hafiz said, "We have always regarded them as allies. When the fascist forces tortured and persecuted them, we expressed solidarity.
When their party was dissolved, we gave them a chance to participate in elections under the 'Sheaf of Paddy' symbol. Khaleda Zia gave them a place in her cabinet."
He added that many of his party leaders did not like this decision, but they accepted it for the sake of party discipline.
"Was this statement from them appropriate in return? We do not expect such statements from them. The strong unity that has been formed among political parties today could be fractured by this. They need to be more careful about this in the future," Hafiz said.
At the rally, BNP activists chanted and carried placards with anti-Jamaat slogans.
