Why Both Jamaat-e-Islami and the Awami League Should Ask for Forgiveness: A Call for Accountability in Bangladesh’s Political History

 Bangladesh's political landscape has been shaped by significant historical events, with political parties often at the forefront of shaping national narratives. The role played by Jamaat-e-Islami and the Awami League, though diametrically opposed in their stances, both requires scrutiny, reflection, and, in the eyes of many, an apology for their controversial actions over the years. While their ideologies and actions have often been at odds, both parties have contributed to shaping Bangladesh’s tumultuous political history, sometimes in ways that contradict the nation’s ideals. This blog seeks to compare why both Jamaat-e-Islami and the Awami League should ask for forgiveness for their respective roles in the country’s political struggles.

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1. Jamaat-e-Islami’s Role in the 1971 Liberation War

Jamaat-e-Islami's actions during the 1971 Liberation War have been the subject of significant criticism. The party’s opposition to the independence movement and its active collaboration with the Pakistan Army led to one of the darkest chapters in Bangladesh’s history. Jamaat-e-Islami leaders and their affiliates formed and supported paramilitary forces such as the Razakar, Al-Badr, and Al-Shams, which were involved in heinous war crimes, including mass killings, rapes, forced conversions, and the abduction and execution of intellectuals. The atrocities committed by these groups have left deep scars in the nation’s collective memory.

Top Jamaat leaders, including Motiur Rahman Nizami, Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mojaheed, and Abdul Quader Molla, were later convicted for war crimes, demonstrating the depth of their involvement in these atrocities. Despite the party’s ban post-1971 and its subsequent revival, the demand for an apology for its role in the war crimes remains largely unaddressed. Jamaat should acknowledge its involvement in the war and the horrific suffering it caused to the people of Bangladesh, including its role in collaborating with a foreign military force that sought to suppress the independence movement.

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2. The Awami League’s Historical Controversies and Current Accountability Demands

On the other hand, the Awami League, under the leadership of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and later Sheikh Hasina, has also been the subject of criticism, particularly for actions taken during its rule. The 1975 assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman marked a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s history, and the political dynamics following the event have caused deep divisions. The Awami League was reinstated as the dominant political force in Bangladesh, but its political actions over the years have been equally contentious.

Recent developments, especially post-August 2024, have seen a growing demand from political and social entities for the Awami League to apologize for its past actions, including allegations of corruption, political repression, and the abuse of power during Sheikh Hasina’s rule. The Students Against Discrimination (SAD) group, which played a key role in ousting the Awami League, has called for accountability from the party, urging them to refrain from participating in future elections until responsible figures are tried. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) also demanded apologies from the Awami League for not recognizing their contributions to the movement against Sheikh Hasina's government. Public sentiment, as reflected in media outlets, points to a growing call for the Awami League to acknowledge and apologize for past misdeeds, promoting a more transparent and accountable political environment.

3. The Importance of Accountability and Acknowledgment

Both Jamaat-e-Islami and the Awami League, despite their differing roles in the history of Bangladesh, must reckon with their pasts. For Jamaat, this involves taking responsibility for its role in the war crimes of 1971, which include supporting an oppressive regime and contributing to the suffering of millions of people. For the Awami League, accountability means acknowledging its missteps in governance, particularly in instances where it failed to uphold democratic values or where human rights were compromised for political gain.

The demands for forgiveness from both sides are not merely about historical reconciliation—they are about shaping a more just, transparent, and accountable political system in Bangladesh. The younger generation, represented by groups like the SAD and the NCP, are pushing for a political environment where past wrongdoings are acknowledged and leaders are held accountable for their actions.

4. The Role of Political Apologies in Moving Forward

For Bangladesh to move forward, political apologies from both Jamaat-e-Islami and the Awami League are vital. These apologies would not only show a commitment to healing the wounds of the past but also pave the way for a more responsible and transparent political process. It is not enough to simply condemn the actions of the past; the political entities that shaped these actions must own up to them and take steps to ensure that such mistakes are not repeated in the future.

By apologizing, Jamaat and the Awami League could set a powerful example for future political leadership, where responsibility, accountability, and truth take precedence over partisanship. For Bangladesh to become a stronger democracy, it is imperative that political parties—whether in power or in opposition—acknowledge their flaws and take steps to make amends.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Jamaat-e-Islami and the Awami League must ask for forgiveness for their roles in Bangladesh’s political history. Jamaat should take responsibility for its collaboration with the Pakistan Army during the 1971 Liberation War and the atrocities committed during that time. The Awami League, on the other hand, should acknowledge its past governance mistakes, particularly in relation to political repression and human rights abuses. Only through such acts of accountability and acknowledgment can Bangladesh move forward toward a more just and transparent political future.