Jamaat should apologise for anti-Liberation role: BNP

The BNP has backed the longstanding calls for its political ally Jamaat-e-Islam to issue a public apology for actively opposing Bangladesh's independence in 1971, reports bdnews24.com.

"This is a universal demand. Jamaat should have regrets over its role in opposing independence. It is reasonable to demand that the party show remorse or seek forgiveness," said BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan.

The remark follows the resignation of top Jamaat leader Abdur Razzaq, who left the party after "failing to persuade it to apologise for anti-liberation role".

But according to the BNP leader, those responsible for 'killing' democracy must also apologise, raising allegations of vote rigging in the Dec 30 polls against ruling Awami League.

"We want those who've worked against the Liberation War to be brought to justice and punished. But there are other reasonable demands as well. Those who have killed democracy in Bangladesh earned through the independence struggle should also come out with an apology," said Nazrul, a member of the BNP's policy-making body.

He made the comment to reporters after paying tribute to BNP founder Ziaur Rahman as part of commemorations for the founding anniversary of Jatiyatabadi Tanti Dal on Wednesday.