BNP accuses Jamaat-e-Islami of attempting to erase Bangladesh’s Liberation War history and exploiting the PR electoral system to delay polls. Senior leader Hafiz Uddin warns of risks to democracy, criticizes police inaction, and condemns Jamaat’s wartime stance as the nation heads toward a politically tense election season.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Friday sharply criticized the radical Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami, accusing it of deliberately attempting to erase the nation’s collective memory of the sacrifices made during the 1971 Liberation War. The BNP also alleged that Jamaat is exploiting the proposed Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system to delay the upcoming general elections, raising fears of political instability.
Speaking at a discussion titled “Anniversary of the People’s Uprising: Speedy Trial, Fundamental Reforms and National Parliament Elections” at the National Press Club in Dhaka, BNP Standing Committee member Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed told reporters that the people of Bangladesh neither fully understand nor support the PR system.
“The people of the country do not understand the PR system. It is necessary to hold national elections under the existing system,” Hafiz Uddin was quoted by leading Bengali daily Jugantor.
The BNP leader said the public has been taken aback by several recent statements made by Jamaat leaders, calling them an attempt to distort history and undermine the spirit of the Liberation War.
Concerns Over Peaceful Elections
Hafiz Uddin also questioned the preparedness of the current law enforcement agencies to ensure a free and fair election.
“There are concerns about holding peaceful elections with this police force that has not undergone even minimal reforms in a year,” he remarked.
His comments come amid growing political tensions as Bangladesh prepares for its next general elections.
Rewriting the Liberation War Narrative
Just last week, Hafiz Uddin expressed regret that a political party which actively opposed the Liberation War is now attempting to claim that Bangladesh made a “mistake” in 1971.
“Nowhere in the world’s history have unelected people changed a constitution. How can they even think of changing the constitution we built with our blood in 1972? A political party that opposed the Liberation War now wants to say that the nation made a mistake in 1971 and it was a stray nation,” he said, without directly naming Jamaat.
The BNP leader accused Jamaat of trying to rewrite history, noting that earlier this year he had already condemned the party for defending its wartime actions instead of offering a public apology.
Historical Context
During the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, Jamaat aligned itself with Pakistan, and many of its leaders were implicated in war crimes. The party’s controversial role has remained a deep scar in the nation’s political memory.
However, the political climate changed dramatically last year when the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus lifted the ban on Jamaat and its student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir, through a gazette notification.
In June, Bangladesh’s Supreme Court restored Jamaat’s registration, clearing the path for its participation in national elections for the first time in years.
BNP, Jamaat, and Political Upheaval
The BNP and Jamaat, along with student leaders, were previously aligned in their opposition to the Awami League government led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Their combined efforts played a significant role in the ouster of Hasina’s democratically elected government — a move widely condemned by the international community as a setback to democracy in Bangladesh.
Since then, the interim government has faced widespread criticism for what many see as an open-door policy toward radical and extremist Islamic groups. Critics argue that such leniency could destabilize the country’s democratic fabric and embolden forces that reject the secular foundations of the state.
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As Bangladesh approaches a crucial electoral period, Hafiz Uddin’s remarks underscore the deep distrust and political polarization that continue to dominate the national discourse. With Jamaat’s renewed political legitimacy and the contentious PR system debate, the battle over Bangladesh’s democratic and historical identity is far from over.
