Jukta Front demands Azharul’s removal

The Ganatantrik Jukta Front has demanded the immediate removal of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer ATM Azharul Islam from the presidium panel of the 13th parliament.

In a statement issued on Friday, the political alliance said Azharul’s inclusion in the five-member panel—tasked with presiding over parliamentary proceedings in the absence of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker—undermines the dignity of parliament and disrespects the martyrs of the Liberation War.

The alliance stated that a person convicted of crimes against humanity should not hold such a position and called for his immediate removal from the panel.

The Jukta Front also demanded the withdrawal of the names of convicted 1971 war criminals from the condolence motion adopted during the first session of the parliament.

It criticised the inclusion of those names, saying it was inappropriate and inconsistent with the spirit of the Liberation War.

The alliance further condemned the proposal to add the names, describing it as regrettable that the suggestion reportedly came from the chief whip of the ruling party.

Additionally, the Jukta Front urged action against lawmakers who allegedly did not stand during the national anthem inside parliament, stating that such conduct disrespects both the anthem and the state.

The statement added that the 2024 July Uprising was aimed at ending discrimination and authoritarian rule, not at rehabilitating individuals accused of crimes during the Liberation War.