The ruling Awami League says it will wait to see if a senior Jamaat-e-Islami leader’s resignation and call for an apology for the party’s role during the 1971 War of Independence is part of a political ploy.
“They haven’t apologised officially yet. It’s not prudent to make comments before they do,” General Secretary Obaidul Quader said when asked to what extent Jamaat will be granted impunity if it apologises.
His remarks came on Saturday (Feb 16) during a media briefing at the Awami League president’s Dhanmondi offices.
On Friday (Feb 16), Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Barrister Abdur Razzaq, who defended many war crime convicts, resigned citing the party’s reluctance to apologise for its role during the Liberation War.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Quader said the trial for 1971 crimes against humanity will continue regardless of anything.
In response to whether Awami League will acknowledge Jamaat if they resurface under a new name, he said, “It’s the same old thing? Will the new name bring new ideologies?”
No comments will be made until the smoke clears on these questions, added Quader
The road transport minister declined to comment on Razzaq’s resignation from the party.
“It’s his personal choice and these things depend on their party’s decision,” he said.
The Jamaat-e-Islami, always in controversy for their role in the war of 1971, has been in the spotlight for the last few days.
The party’s policymaking Majlish-e-Shura committee has been mulling over the possibility of a name change for the party and the formation of an apolitical body.
On Friday (Feb 16), Jamaat made the headlines once more when Razzaq, who had been with the party since 1986, quit.