The first-ever visit by a Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer to the Central Shaheed Minar turned tense in the early hours of Saturday, as counter-slogans between youths and party activists disrupted the solemn observance of International Mother Language Day and reignited debate over the legacy of Golam Azam.
Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman, who is also the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, placed a wreath at the Central Shaheed Minar at 12:22am to pay tribute to the language martyrs. It marks the first time in 74 years that a Jamaat chief has formally paid respects at the memorial - a significant departure from the party's historical stance, as its leaders had long considered the Shaheed Minar 'un-Islamic' and avoided the ceremony.
President Md Sahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had earlier paid homage at the memorial.
Speaking to journalists shortly after laying the wreath, Dr Shafiqur said his presence was part of his constitutional responsibility. "As Leader of the Opposition, I had to come with my colleagues. That's why I came," he said, describing the visit as a state ritual.
He was accompanied by NCP Convener Nahid Islam, Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain and other senior leaders of the 11-party alliance.
However, as Dr Shafiqur began addressing reporters, a group of youths nearby started chanting slogans including "Razakar," "Collaborators of '71, be warned," and "Razakars of '71, leave Bangladesh." Jamaat activists responded with counter-slogans, escalating tensions when some chanted, "Language soldier Golam Azam, receive our salute."
Law enforcement personnel quickly intervened to prevent the situation from spiralling. Amid the commotion, Nahid Islam, Akhtar Hossain and other coalition leaders escorted Dr Shafiqur back to his vehicle. The Jamaat chief and his associates subsequently left the Shaheed Minar premises.
Debate Over Golam Azam's Legacy
The confrontation has once again brought into focus Jamaat's attempt to portray Golam Azam as a figure of the 1952 Language Movement. Golam Azam, a former Jamaat chief, was later convicted of crimes against humanity committed during Bangladesh's 1971 Liberation War - a verdict that remains deeply contentious among his supporters.
Language Movement veterans and historians, however, have consistently rejected the claim that he played a significant role in the 1952 struggle.
In a 2023 interview with Sarabangla.net, veteran Abdul Gaffar said Golam Azam was not a language soldier and alleged that he had joined Jamaat-e-Islami for personal gain. Gaffar, who was active in the Tamaddun Majlis committee during the movement, claimed that Golam Azam did not take a consistent position in favour of Bangla as the state language and had wavered on the issue.
Language movement researcher Badruddin Umar, in an interview said Golam Azam's limited involvement stemmed from a 1948 event when, as DUCSU secretary, he read out a memorandum to Pakistani Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan demanding recognition of Bangla as a state language. According to Umar, the responsibility fell to him under specific political circumstances, and Golam Azam later distanced himself from the movement.
In a speech delivered in West Pakistan on June 20, 1970, published in the daily Azad, Golam Azam reportedly described the language movement as a "serious political mistake," arguing that Urdu embodied Muslim education and religious heritage and that the agitation had not been appropriate from Pakistan's perspective.
Despite this historical record, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Hamidurul Rahman Azad, speaking at a party discussion on Martyrs' Day, claimed that Golam Azam had defied Section 144 during the 1952 strike and was arrested. He cited former Chittagong University Vice Chancellor Professor R I Chowdhury in support of the claim and said the nation had yet to recognise Golam Azam's role properly.
Calls for Restraint
State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraque Hossain, after paying respects at the Shaheed Minar, urged political restraint. He said that in a democratic environment, participation by all political parties in Martyrs' Day observances should be viewed positively. He noted that Jamaat had apologised for its past positions, though "the language of their apology may not be to everyone's liking."
Ishraque called for moving beyond divisions, questioning whether the nation would continue to remain fractured or work toward reconciliation. He said the government aims to foster an environment where longstanding political and social divisions can gradually heal.
