Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has said his party will apologize to the nation if it is proven beyond doubt that it committed wrongdoings during the 1971 Liberation War.
Speaking to journalists from the Bangla media in the UK in a restaurant in East London on Tuesday, Shafiqur urged the government to recognize those killed in the uprising as “national heroes,” emphasizing that people from all walks of life participated in the movement.
He also acknowledged the contributions of expatriates during that time, saying: “Even those living abroad contributed to our struggle to the best of their abilities.”
Highlighting the role of expatriates, he said: “Expatriates are providing significant support to Bangladesh through remittances. Alongside monetary remittances, I urge them to send ‘intelligence remittances.’ Intellectual contributions will greatly aid the country’s development, enabling expatriates to play a vital role in building the Bangladesh of our dreams.”
Criticizing previous governments for rampant corruption, the Jamaat chief said: “The development we could have achieved has not materialized. In Bangladesh, the cost of a development project is three times higher than in neighboring countries. Deadlines are extended repeatedly, inflating costs further. This has allowed the country to be looted and drained.”
In response to a question about Jamaat’s role in 1971, he said: “If we made any mistakes during 1971 and if they are proven beyond doubt, I will apologize to the nation.
"Regarding the case of Chowdhury Mueen-Uddin in Britain, judges here have observed that the verdict by our International Crimes Tribunal amounted to a ‘genocide of justice.’ For 15 years, we were not allowed to operate our offices, hold rallies, or speak through the media.”
Shafiqur also lamented the nation’s lack of progress due to corruption and disunity. “Corruption is a national shame. The UK has earned global respect by largely freeing itself from corruption, but we have failed. A clean society is impossible unless those governing it are clean,” he added.
