Jamaat appeals for unreserved public pardon

NN Online:

Jamaat-e-Islami has issued a public appeal for forgiveness from anyone who may have been hurt by the actions or behavior of the party, its leaders, or its activists.

The appeal was made by Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman at a press conference held after the acquittal of party leader ATM Azharul Islam in a 1971 war crimes case.

“If anyone has been hurt by any of our behavior or actions, we sincerely seek your forgiveness,” said the Jamaat chief. “We are human, and no one is above making mistakes. As a political party, we do not claim to be infallible. If any activist, leader, or even the party as a whole has caused harm to anyone, anywhere, we ask for your unconditional forgiveness.”

Rahman, a physician by profession, said Jamaat had tried to support people in times of crisis, including families of martyrs, the injured, and the disabled. “Despite facing severe adversity ourselves, we have tried to stand by the people. However, we acknowledge that due to various limitations, we could not fulfill all our responsibilities.”

Looking to the future, he added, “If we are ever entrusted with the responsibility of serving this nation—with the support and cooperation of the people—we pledge to end the politics of revenge and discrimination, inshallah.”

During the briefing, the Jamaat Ameer also strongly criticized the legal proceedings against the party’s senior leaders. He claimed that under the administration of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, 11 top Jamaat leaders were executed through what he described as “judicial killings,” citing “rigged trials and fabricated testimonies.” He referred to former Chief Justice S.K. Sinha’s book to support his claim.

Rahman further alleged that “safe homes” were used to torture Jamaat leaders, while “safe houses” were used to detain individuals and extract false statements. He described the entire war crimes tribunal process as “a genocide of justice.”

Concluding the press conference, Shafiqur Rahman declined to take any questions from journalists. “Today, we will not be answering questions,” he said. “This moment is unlike any other for us.”