Jamaat Must Apologise for 1971 and Join Elections, Says BNP’s Shamsuzzaman Dudu

BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu has stated that Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami must apologise for the “mistakes” it committed during the 1971 Liberation War if it intends to participate in national elections.

Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion organised by the Bangladesh Democratic Cultural Alliance at the A.K.M. Khaleque Hall of the National Press Club on Thursday, Dudu delivered a firm message regarding Jamaat’s role in the country’s political future.

Dudu’s Key Statements and Context

“The mistake you made in 1971 can still be corrected. You have not yet apologised. Apologise and join the elections. That may redeem at least part of your past. But if you take to the streets to resist the polls, you will only deepen that mistake,” said Dudu.

Addressing Jamaat directly, he further said:

“Once, in the interest of democratic struggle and political movement, BNP stood beside you. At that time, you had the opportunity to connect with the people. Even though BNP suffered political damage, we supported you in the national interest. If you can remember that, it may benefit both your party and the country.”

BNP’s Political Standing and Current Realities

Highlighting BNP’s widespread grassroots presence, Dudu asserted:

“BNP is the only party today with roots embedded across all layers of the nation. Wherever there are 10 people, 6 or 7 belong to BNP. The Awami League was once dominant but has now disappeared. If BNP rises again, there will be no need for police or military — the people themselves will protect the country. This is the reality. That is why excuses, confusion, and political drama are being employed to suppress BNP.”

As a former president of the student wing Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Dudu also reflected on the upcoming elections and public confidence in Nobel Laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus’s potential leadership:

“We believe that under the leadership of Dr Yunus, a fair election is possible. BNP has consistently supported this electoral initiative. The government has now announced a parliamentary election, and the Election Commission is preparing for it. However, some are talking about resisting the election, threatening to take to the streets to press their demands. If the election does not happen, the country will plunge into uncertainty.”

Remarks on Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Governance

In a more critical tone, Dudu commented on unmet expectations following Bangladesh’s independence:

“After liberation, the nation had high expectations from Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. But those were not fulfilled. During his rule, 40,000 opposition leaders were killed, and people died in famine. Those who did not witness the 1972–75 period cannot fully grasp its horrors merely by reading history books.”

“Millions were martyred in the hope of achieving freedom, democracy, a square meal, and a job. Yet the people were neglected and oppressed during that time,” Dudu concluded.

The event reflected not only Dudu’s uncompromising stance towards Jamaat-e-Islami’s participation in electoral politics but also his broader critique of historical and present-day political dynamics in Bangladesh.