ISLAMABAD: Taking a major historic position, the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has demanded that its name be removed from the definition of “Bir Muktijoddha” (valiant freedom fighter), reminding that the role of individuals and groups played during the 1971 war best known to Allah.
Speaking during a discussion on the National Freedom Fighters Council Act–2022 (Amendment) Bill, 2026, placed in Parliament by Liberation War Affairs Minister Azam Khan during the 12th day of the maiden session of the House, Shafiqur Rahman maintained that Allah best knew who had what role during that critical time in 1971, urging the government to exclude his party’s name from the legal definition of freedom fighters.
Media reports suggest that according to the existing definition in the law, “Bir Muktijoddha” includes civilians and members of various forces who participated in the liberation war.
Following his remarks, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed informed the House that the National Citizen Party (NCP) had not raised any objections to the bill and had submitted its views in writing.
Shafiqur Rahman, in his speech, also referred to the historical and political developments following independence, including the establishment of one-party rule under Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Awami League (BAKSAL), and said such measures marked a departure from multiparty democracy.
He recalled that multiparty democracy was later restored following the political changes of 1975 under the late Gen. Ziaur Rahman, which, he said, helped shape the country’s subsequent political trajectory.
He paid tribute to those who fought in the liberation war, expressing respect for the martyrs and praying for their forgiveness.
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