TDS Desk

BNP’s Senior Joint Secretary General, Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, has raised questions about the role of Jamaat-e-Islami in the great Liberation War of 1971.

On Thursday morning, at an event organized by Amra BNP Poribar in Sylhet, Rizvi posed these questions.

Referring to Jamaat-e-Islami, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said: “When the people were oppressed, the military stood by them. Even during the mass uprising of 24, the military played a remarkable role.”

“I want to ask that political party (Jamaat-e-Islami), the Islamist political group: What was your role in 1971? In which sector did you fight? Under which sector commander did you operate?” he added.

He also said: “Claiming that there are no patriots in Bangladesh apart from one political party will make people laugh. People will offer nothing but ridicule in response.”

Referring to Shaheed Ziaur Rahman as the proclaimer of independence, the BNP leader said: “Ziaur Rahman didn’t just stop at proclaiming independence; he fought in the war. He also killed Pakistani Colonel Zanjua. A real battle took place there, and Major Zia led that battle.”

Acknowledging Bangabandhu’s role in the pre-1971 autonomy movement, Rizvi said: “Sheikh Mujibur Rahman led the autonomy movement. However, he didn’t make any specific declaration or preparation for independence. He didn’t issue such a call.”

He added: “Awami League has falsely propagated this narrative at various times. The truth is, Ziaur Rahman made the declaration of independence.”

Regarding school textbooks, Rizvi said: “Chapters have been dedicated to the names of a few national leaders. However, it would have been better if a chapter had been included on the Liberation War, from the struggle for independence to the war itself. Including a chapter on the Liberation War in textbooks would have made them more comprehensive.”