AK Khandker unmasked AL failures during 1971: BNP

Sharply criticising Awami League (AL) for its role during the liberation war, BNP senior leader MK Anwar said on Saturday AK Khandker has revealed the historical truth that the party did not take the leadership during the war but 'killed thousands of freedom fighters', report agencies.
"AK Khandker has unmasked the failures of the Awami League leadership during the liberation war. It's a document as we've been claiming for the last 42 years that Ziaur Rahman proclaimed independence," he said.
Anwar, also a former minister, made the remarks while addressing a discussion at the Jatiya Press Club.
Jatiyatabadi Sechhashebak Dal arranged the programme marking the 7th 'Jail Release Day' of BNP senior vice-chairman Tarique Rahman, living in England since 2008.
Referring to the recent book written by AK Khandker, titled '1971: Bhetore Baire', BNP stalwart said the AL had no preparation for the war of independence, he said. How can the party now claim that it had led the war of independence?" he questioned.
The party that killed thousands of freedom fighters has no authority to put freedom fighter like AK Khandker in the dock, he said.
Anwar further alleged, "In fact, there is no functional government and democracy in the country other than corruption and terrorism."
He expressed the hope that BNP will be able to topple the Sheikh Hasina government as per its deadline.
Chaired by Sechhashebak Dal president Habibunnabi Khan Sohel, the programme was also addressed by journalist Shawkat Mahmud.
Another report adds: BNP thinks that it is the government who had paved the way for a 'rise in extremism' in Bangladesh.
"It's clear after al Qaeda leader Ayman al Zawahiri's recent video message that extremism rises in the country during Awami League rule. They create that kind of atmosphere as they do not believe in democracy," said the party's acting Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
He was speaking to reporters on Saturday at a Dhaka hospital, where he went to visit ailing party's Standing Committee member RA Gani.
"Extremism rises when democratic options are nullified. I believe the rise in militancy is due to the Awami League," said the senior BNP leader.
In a video message released on Wednesday, the al Qaeda announced forming a South Asia chapter covering Bangladesh, India and Myanmar.
Replying a query over Tarique Rahman's recent statement against religion-based politics, Mirza Fakhrul said that was "deliberately misquoted. "  
"This is not right. BNP believes in democracy as well so does Tarique Rahman.
"Democracy allows diverse opinions. It also permits politics based on various ideologies. Those who believe in religion based politics can also participate in democracy, there's no problem," he said.
On the note of the Japanese premier's visit, Mirza Fakhrul said they think it will be benefit the people of the country.