Sunday, 5th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 3rd February 2026, 1:59 PM
Dhaka, 3 February – Senior Joint Secretary of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, delivered a scathing critique of Jamaat-e-Islami leadership during a Milad and Du’a Mahfil held at BNP’s central office in Nayapaltan to mark the sacred night of Shab-e-Barat.
Addressing Jamaat’s Ameer, Rizvi accused the party of repeatedly distorting historical facts for political gain. “Perhaps in a few days, you will claim that Golam Azam was the proclaimer of independence. That, too, you could easily say, because telling lies has never deterred you,” he remarked.
Rizvi condemned Jamaat for failing to acknowledge the atrocities committed by the Pakistani army during the 1971 Liberation War, asserting that the party supported and patronised the oppressors rather than recognising the suffering of women. “Today, with ill intent, you speak of independence. Soon, you might even label Golam Azam as its announcer. Falsehood is no stranger to you,” he said.
He further denounced offensive comments made by Jamaat’s Ameer about women, describing them as “disgraceful and insulting,” which have sparked widespread outrage among women across the country. Rizvi warned that such remarks reveal Jamaat’s true character and cannot be masked by attempts to politicise historical narratives.
Highlighting historical inconsistencies, Rizvi contrasted Jamaat’s 1986 decision to boycott elections under General Ershad with their later participation, juxtaposed against BNP leader Begum Khaleda Zia’s nine-year struggle under political repression, imprisonment, and house arrest without reneging on her principles.
He clarified the historical record on independence, stating that the actual proclamation was made by former President Ziaur Rahman, then a Major in the military, with Golam Azam playing no such role. Rizvi noted that even those close to the independence movement repeatedly acknowledged Ziaur Rahman’s leadership in their writings.
| Issue | BNP Statement | Jamaat Position / Allegation |
|---|---|---|
| Role in 1971 Independence | Ziaur Rahman proclaimed independence; Golam Azam had no role | Jamaat claims Golam Azam as proclaimer |
| Recognition of Atrocities | Condemned Pakistani army’s atrocities, especially against women | Jamaat failed to recognise or condemned oppressors |
| Statements on Women | Women should be respected as per Islamic teachings | Jamaat Ameer made derogatory remarks causing nationwide outrage |
| Election Politics | BNP leaders upheld principles despite repression | Jamaat initially boycotted elections but later participated |
| Misuse of Religion | Islam should guide life, not political gain | Jamaat accused of exploiting religion for political advantage |
Rizvi also emphasised the spiritual significance of Shab-e-Barat, highlighting its role in fostering self-purification and devotion to Allah. He warned that neglecting moral and spiritual responsibilities leads to societal corruption, including crime and injustice.
“True Muslims can never lie or act hypocritically,” he asserted, warning that manipulating Islam for political gain is a betrayal of the faith. Rizvi concluded by reaffirming women’s dignity, recalling Islam’s highest respect for women, starting with Hazrat Bibi Khadijah (RA), and condemned the recent derogatory remarks circulating on social media.
Present at the programme were BNP’s Volunteer Affairs Secretary Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu and Executive Committee member Md. Mainul Islam, among others.
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