Thursday, 21st May 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 5th September 2025, 11:53 AM
Zainul Abdin Farooq, member of the BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council and former Opposition Chief Whip, has stated that Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami should apologise to the people for its controversial role during the Liberation War of 1971.
Farooq remarked: “Please, gradually change your political strategy. Apologise to the people. If there were mistakes or misdeeds in the history of the past, seek forgiveness. On one hand you say you will not participate in elections without PR, on the other hand you say you will not contest unless there is a referendum.”
He made these comments on Friday, 5 September, while addressing a discussion meeting organised by the Bangladesh Independence Proclaimer Council at the National Press Club.
Farooq further said: “Not only under Sheikh Hasina, even under Sheikh Mujib elections were not fair. If, at Delhi’s instigation, some people in Bangladesh once again collude with the Awami League to thwart this Yunus government’s election, then the people will resist.”
According to him, attempts are being made through various tactics—public relations manoeuvres, creation of mobs, and other schemes—to sabotage the election. “The conspiracy is not over yet,” he added.
He pointed out: “For 16 years there have been continuous efforts to erase the name of Ziaur Rahman. Yet, the name of Shaheed Zia could not be erased from the people’s hearts. A photograph can be shattered by throwing stones, but a name cannot be removed from the heart.”
The BNP leader also said: “The people of this country know—whenever Shaheed Zia’s party has come to power, it has never betrayed the people. With the sacrifice of Tarique Rahman, if an interim government can ensure a fair election, then Tarique Rahman will become the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.”
Event Details
| Event | Discussion Meeting of Bangladesh Independence Proclaimer Council |
| Venue | National Press Club, Dhaka |
| Date | Friday, 5 September |
| Chair | Sheikh Shamim Hasan Onik (President, Bangladesh Independence Proclaimer Council) |
| Speakers | Zainul Abdin Farooq (BNP), Rafiqul Islam Jamal (BNP Religious Affairs Secretary), Kazi Moniruzzaman Monir (Senior Joint Convener, BNP Weavers’ Front), Md. Ismail Hossain (General Secretary, Bangladesh Independence Proclaimer Council), among others |
Through his address, Farooq urged Jamaat-e-Islami to face history with accountability, criticised election conspiracies, and reiterated the BNP’s political stance surrounding the leadership of Ziaur Rahman and Tarique Rahman.
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