Jamaat Cornered in Parliament Over ‘Apology’ Issue

Despite efforts to maintain grassroots political activity and public support, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is facing increasing pressure in parliament over controversies surrounding its role during the 1971 Liberation War and its contemporary political stance. In the new political reality formed after the mass uprising of August 5, 2024, questions regarding the party’s historical position and accountability have intensified since the very first session of the 13th National Parliament.

Jamaat has come under strong criticism from both ruling and opposition leaders in parliament, with its role in 1971 and the issue of a formal “apology” becoming central to the debate. The party now finds itself in a politically complex situation—balancing its active presence on the streets with mounting pressure in parliamentary politics over historical controversies. Although Jamaat-e-Islami’s Ameer, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, has issued an unconditional apology for various mistakes made by the party between 1947 and October 22, 2025, the party has not formally clarified its official position on the matter. As a result, it appears to be politically cornered.

Political analysts suggest that Jamaat is attempting to establish its political legitimacy and “patriotic” image based on recent electoral results and grassroots support. However, as the party seeks to capitalize on the post–August 5 political changes to reorganize and expand its influence, persistent questions about its role in 1971 within parliament are complicating its position. The Liberation War, as the foundational basis of the state, continues to dominate political discourse. Jamaat’s past stance is repeatedly raised in harsh criticism by lawmakers, forcing the party to simultaneously defend its role in post-uprising politics while addressing historical accountability. This dual pressure is placing Jamaat in a sensitive and complex political equation.

The debate has extended beyond parliament into social media, where it has sparked widespread discussion. Various political parties are also invoking the past governance of the Awami League, including allegations of authoritarianism, in an attempt to strengthen their own positions. According to analysts, the parliamentary debate has triggered a counter-discourse, where criticism of Jamaat has also revived scrutiny of the Awami League’s past actions. This has further intensified political polarization across online platforms.

Although the debate over Jamaat’s role in 1971 began during the first session of the 13th Parliament, it has recently intensified. On Tuesday (April 28), Kishoreganj-4 MP and veteran politician, freedom fighter Fazlur Rahman, delivered a strong speech opposing any comparison between the August 5 uprising and the Liberation War. “As long as Bangladesh exists and as long as Royal Bengal Tigers roam its forests, freedom fighters will prevail, and collaborators will never win in this country,” he said.

Fazlur Rahman added that while he respects those who participated in the August 5 movement, it cannot be equated with the Liberation War. “The Liberation War is deeper than the ocean,” he said, emphasizing its historical significance. He also highlighted the long struggle for independence, referencing leaders such as Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Huq, Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, Maulana Bhashani, and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and noting that Ziaur Rahman declared independence in 1971. He further stated that no freedom fighter or family member of a martyr should join Jamaat, calling such actions a “double crime.”

In response, Jamaat leaders protested the remarks. Dr. Shafiqur Rahman argued that no one has the right to diminish others’ contributions and that citizens have the freedom to choose their political affiliation. He described such comments as an infringement on civil rights. Barrister Andaleeve Rahman Partho, MP from Bhola-1, also criticized Jamaat, accusing it of political inconsistency. His remarks were strongly rebutted by Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, who called for accuracy and responsibility in parliamentary statements.

Later, Partho clarified that his comments were not directed personally but at another leader within Jamaat’s alliance. BNP leader Zainul Abdin Farroque also criticized Jamaat, while MP Shahjahan Chowdhury attempted to defend the party by referencing its historical political actions in 1969 and 1970. Analysts, however, view such claims as efforts to reshape Jamaat’s image as a democratic force.

Meanwhile, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam dismissed Jamaat’s arguments, stating that a party which has never been elected to power and must repeatedly apologize for its past actions remains politically unsuccessful. He emphasized that Jamaat continues to face pressure due to its failure to formally apologize for its role in 1971. Historically, Jamaat-e-Islami supported Pakistan’s unity during the Liberation War and has long been criticized for alleged involvement with auxiliary forces such as Razakar, Al-Badr, and Peace Committees. Internal divisions have also emerged within the party over whether to formally apologize.

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has taken a cautious stance on the issue, but recent parliamentary debates have brought it back into focus. During a meeting with journalists in New York last year, he reiterated an unconditional apology for all mistakes committed by Jamaat since 1947. Despite this, the party has not taken a firm parliamentary stance, leaving the issue unresolved. Analysts believe Jamaat’s reluctance to formally apologize in the past was driven by political calculations, including the risk of losing support among certain segments and concerns over legal implications.

In recent times, Jamaat has sought to rebrand itself as a more moderate and inclusive political force, highlighting initiatives such as protecting minority communities and promoting inclusive politics. However, ongoing criticism from both senior and young politicians indicates that its role in 1971 remains a major political challenge.

The Liberation War continues to be a deeply sensitive issue in Bangladesh’s political landscape. As the foundation of the state, questions surrounding Jamaat’s role in 1971 are unlikely to fade easily. Political analyst Professor Golam Hafiz stated that the ongoing debate in the 13th Parliament suggests that Jamaat’s future will depend not only on public support but also on how transparently it addresses historical accountability and expresses genuine remorse.