Chance still exists to identify killers of martyred intellectuals: Jamaat
The identity of those responsible for the killing of martyred intellectuals during the Liberation War of 1971 remains shrouded in mystery, but there is still a chance to uncover the truth, said Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar.
Speaking at a discussion organised by Dhaka City South unit Jamaat-e-Islami at the National Press Club auditorium on Saturday (December 14), Parwar paid tribute to the martyred intellectuals, emphasising their contributions to the nation.
“We achieved a free and independent Bangladesh through their sacrifices. Their contributions will be remembered forever. Yet, even after 53 years of independence, the killers of the intellectuals remain unidentified. Those who sought to subjugate the nation through violence and foreign aggression bear responsibility for these heinous murders,” said the secretary general of Jamaat, which stood for integrity of Pakistan in 1971.
Parwar highlighted the disappearance of journalist, filmmaker, and freedom fighter Zahir Raihan, who was researching the struggle and killings of intellectuals. “Raihan was compiling evidence and information on these atrocities. His documentary, if completed, could have shed light on many unknown aspects. But he vanished in the last week of January 1972, and his work remains missing,” he said.
Criticism of India’s Role
Shifting focus, the Jamaat leader criticised India for its influence on Bangladesh’s internal affairs. “The voting rights of this country’s people should be determined by its citizens, yet elections in 1973, 2014, 2018, and 2024 were marred by manipulation, with hegemonic powers propping up their chosen governments,” he claimed.
Parwar alleged that India has failed to establish itself as a trustworthy ally to Bangladesh. “We are not enemies of India. But successive Indian governments have treated us as adversaries, seeking to harm our interests while benefiting from projects in Bangladesh,” he said.
He further accused India of using Bangladesh for its own economic, strategic, and military advantages. “Agreements and projects that undermine Bangladesh’s sovereignty and interests have been implemented over the past 53 years,” he added.
Addressing India, Parwar emphasized Bangladesh’s right to self-determination and independence. “Bangladesh cannot function under rulers chosen by foreign powers. We aspire to build a nation rooted in Islamic values, morality, and education,” he said.
He concluded by clarifying that Jamaat does not consider India as a state or its people as enemies but condemned what he termed the communal and hegemonic policies of Indian rulers. “If Bangladesh becomes merely a market or a vassal state, India will benefit at our expense,” he said.
