Azharul raises doubts over BNP’s 1971 credentials
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami MP ATM Azharul Islam on Wednesday raised questions over the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) credentials as a pro-liberation political force during a parliamentary discussion.
Speaking during the thanksgiving motion on the President’s speech in Parliament, the Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer pointed out the time gap between the 1971 Liberation War and the formation of BNP in 1978.
He questioned how the party could be associated with the Liberation War given its establishment years later, though acknowledging that both BNP and Jamaat may include individual freedom fighters.
Azharul also made critical remarks about the President, alleging political alignment with the previous Awami League government, which he described in strong terms. He further questioned the parliamentary decision to thank the President and suggested possible external influence behind political decisions.
Raising concerns over recent political developments, he alleged irregularities in BNP’s nomination process for reserved women’s seats, claiming that a leader with ties to the Awami League had been nominated, and questioned whether it reflected a shortage of leadership or political strategy.
He also spoke about rising political tensions and insecurity among lawmakers and activists, alleging attacks and harassment of party workers in different regions.
He suggested introducing security measures for MPs due to safety concerns.
A major part of his speech focused on his personal legal history, recalling that he was previously sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal for crimes against humanity related to 1971.
He said his situation changed following the political developments of August 5, 2024, and paid tribute to those who died in the July movement.
Azharul also acknowledged former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, crediting Ziaur Rahman with introducing multi-party democracy and praising Khaleda Zia’s political leadership and past calls for releasing detained opposition leaders.
He concluded by warning against divisive politics, saying such divisions could harm national unity, and claimed that his party had faced severe political repression over the past 16 years, including the execution or death of several top leaders in custody.
