Bangladesh: BNP warns of ‘anti-Liberation War soldiers’ coming back

Bangladesh: According to local media, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party issued a warning on Tuesday that the forces that resisted the nation’s independence in 1971 are making a comeback.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir made the comments on Victory Day, which is observed annually on December 16 and commemorates the day in 1971 when Bangladesh gained its independence after the surrender of Pakistani troops to the Indian Armed troops, which put an end to a nine-month conflict.

Particularly after the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government seized power, the radical Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami, which opposed the country’s 1971 Liberation War, saw a notable boost in support.

“Those who opposed independence in 1971 are attempting to reappear now. Bangladesh’s freedom-loving people, who value democracy and independence, will foil all of their plots and preserve the nation’s sovereignty and independence. The Daily Star, Bangladesh’s top newspaper, cited Fakhrul as stating, “Democracy will be established.”

“In December of 1971, the conflict that started with the proclamation of independence was finally won. We value this day for that reason,” he said.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman accused Jamaat earlier this month of disseminating propaganda against his party, claiming that the people of Bangladesh saw how Jamaat disgraced women and slaughtered thousands of people during the 1971 War against Pakistan for political reasons.

“These days, we hear some individuals or organizations stating, ‘We have seen this party and that party, so now give this party (Jamaat) a chance,’ in various settings or on social media. Rahman said, “But the people of this country already saw this party in 1971,” according to UNB, a Bangladeshi media station.

“The citizens of this nation have previously seen those who are now pleading for support in 1971. In addition to killing thousands of people, their accomplices defiled innumerable mothers and sisters. This is something we should never forget,” he said.

Previously working with Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus to topple the democratically elected Awami League government under Sheikh Hasina, the parties are now at odds.