Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has commented that there can be no question about the role of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the Liberation War. He made this comment in a recent interview with a US-based Bengali television channel.

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said, “Even though Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was in jail, his image was a big factor in the Liberation War. If anyone denies this, it will be tantamount to denying the truth.”

Regarding Maulana Bhashani, he said, “Maulana Bhashani has spoken about independence many times. But he or his party could not directly participate in the Liberation War.”

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman announced that he would soon give a detailed speech to the nation on Jamaat’s role in 1971. He said, “In 1971, Jamaat-e-Islami’s political position was on one side, while the positions of other parties were on the other. Not only Jamaat, many other parties did not actively participate in the Liberation War. We feared that if Bangladesh becomes independent with direct cooperation from India, it is not certain whether the benefits of that independence will reach the people.”

He further mentioned, “The past role of parties that are not relevant in politics at present is not discussed.”

Source: Dainik Janakantha