Jamaat’s position clear via JAMUKA bill silence
Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman on Wednesday claimed that Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has effectively acknowledged its historical role as an “anti-liberation” force by not opposing the definition of “Bir Muktijoddha (Valiant Freedom Fighter)” in the amended Jatiya Muktijoddha Council (JAMUKA) Bill.
He made the remarks while participating in the discussion on the thanksgiving motion on the President’s speech in Parliament.
The minister said the JAMUKA Bill clearly defines freedom fighters as those who resisted the Pakistani occupation forces and their collaborators, including the Muslim League, Jamaat-e-Islami, Nezam-e-Islam, Al-Badr, Al-Shams, and Razakars.
He alleged that Jamaat did not effectively oppose the legislation in Parliament and added that support was also submitted in writing on behalf of the NCP, which he welcomed.
According to him, the law now establishes, through legal interpretation, who opposed the 1971 Liberation War and who was involved in serious crimes during that period.
Asaduzzaman said the current Parliament, formed after the July mass uprising, should focus on building a nation inspired by the spirit of the 1971 Liberation War, the 1990 democratic movement, and the 2024 uprising.
However, he expressed dissatisfaction over a leaflet circulated by an 11-party alliance regarding reforms, saying it did not mention the “July Charter” signed by 33 political parties.
He further said that parliamentary discussions should focus on development and the future of the country, instead of debates over referendum questions. He also claimed that the BNP had accepted most of those proposals except a small portion, which he described as misleading.
Referring to past political rhetoric, the minister criticised earlier claims made during election campaigns and questioned their credibility.
He also remarked that Parliament had at times suffered from inactivity and disruption in the past due to boycotts and unnecessary tensions, which he said were not always justified.
