Recalling the role played by Jamaat-e-Islami during the independence of Pakistan and the struggle for Bangladeshi independence, BNP Standing Committee Member Hafiz Uddin Ahmed has said the Jamaat has been presenting 'new messages' to the nation, report agencies.
Hafiz, a freedom fighter, spoke at an event at the Jatiya Press Club in the capital on Friday in response to Jamaat leader Syed Abdullah Md Taher's statement criticising the July Proclamation.
The former army officer said, "This Jamaat-e-Islami people said the emergence of Bangladesh was not presented with great pride in the July Proclamation. They think the people in Bangladesh have a short memory. This party, Jamaat-e-Islami, opposed the emergence of Bangladesh during the struggle in 1971."
Jamaat-e-Islami's Nayeb Ameer Taher reacted to the July Proclamation presented to the nation by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus on the anniversary of the July Uprising, calling it an incomplete statement.
Taher said, "Although the proclamation talks about a long struggle, it ignored the independence of 1947."
He said, "The proclamation talks about the long struggle and fight, but the Azadi or independence in 1947 has been ignored. It didn't mention the Pilkhana carnage, Shapla massacre, and (stick and oar) struggle on October 28. The role of Islamic scholars, madrasa teachers and students, expatriates, and online activists in the July Uprising was ignored, which is simply an injustice and neglect of history. The nine-point demand was the turning point in the July Uprising, which later turned into a one-point demand. This issue has been avoided as well."
In reaction to Taher's statement, Hafiz said: "I'm quite old… I'm 81. Hence, I believe in those days we were mature enough. In 1947, Jamaat opposed the creation of Pakistan, and in 1971, they opposed the great Liberation War. Now they're issuing new messages."
Hafizuddin Ahmed has opposed the introduction of the Proportional Representation (PR) system in the upcoming national election, saying the people in Bangladesh have long been accustomed to voting for individuals rather than symbols.
he said, "Voters want to elect a person they can trust... someone who will stand by them in their happiness and sorrow. In such a context, discussions over a symbol-centric PR election are irrelevant."
Expressing confidence in the Election Commission, the BNP leader said the party is ready to contest the election under the current government and commission.
He expressed the hope that the upcoming polls would pave the way for ending the 'misrule' of the Hasina era.
"Through a credible election, the interim government should set an example," he added.
Hafizuddin alleged that several parties have already assumed they will lose their security deposits in national election, which is why they are supporting the PR system.
The BNP leader also said the current government should have carried out major reforms in the police force but failed to do so.
"The police turned into a partisan force during previous rule. It is doubtful how much law and order can be maintained during the election with such a police force," he said.
On constitutional reforms, Hafizuddin said the current government has no mandate to amend the constitution, though it can provide an outline.
"The reforms will have to be done by an elected government," he added.
Reiterating that BNP will accept any election result if the polls are fair, Hafizuddin said, "If anyone comes to power through a credible voting process, we will accept it. But it is the government's responsibility to ensure a free and fair election."
He, however, alleged that some quarters are still trying to foil the election.
While praising the Chief Adviser for attempting to work for the country's welfare, he said many of the adviser's associates have been overcome by a lust for power.
"They want to monopolise authority instead of walking the electoral path," Hafizuddin claimed.
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