Ask Jamaat to apologise for its 1971 role

Pro-BNP professionals and intellectuals last night advised BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to ask the Jamaat-e-Islami to apologise to the nation for opposing Bangladesh's independence and the crimes it committed in 1971.

At a view-exchange meeting with Khaleda, they said the BNP's move to unite the nation against militancy would not succeed if Jamaat, a component of the BNP-led alliance, does not offer apology to the nation for its role during the Liberation War, according to sources.

If Jamaat refuses to do so, the BNP should form a platform excluding the Islamist party for carrying out anti-militancy programmes, they told the BNP chief.

Meeting sources said Khaleda didn't say anything regarding the suggestions. 

The forefathers of the Jamaat leaders did injustice, and they opposed the Liberation War of Bangladesh. Jamaat didn't offer apology as a party, Gonoshasthaya Kendra Founder Zafrullah Chowdhury told reporters after the meeting at the BNP chief's political office in the capital's Gulshan.

A day after the Holey Artisan siege on July 1, Khaleda at a press conference urged all to unite against terrorism.

Yesterday's meeting was part of the BNP chief's initiative, according to party insiders.

At least 47 pro-BNP professionals and intellectuals attended the meeting and 20 of them spoke, said meeting sources.

Khaleda told the meeting that she would invite all political parties, including the ruling Awami League, and various organisations for talks and get their views and suggestions on the militancy issue, added the sources.