BNP Standing Committee member and Dhaka-2 MP Gayeshwar Chandra Roy said many ruling party lawmakers would feel uncomfortable if the events of 1/11 were discussed. Speaking in parliament on Thursday during the debate on the motion of thanks to the President’s address, he recalled that during the 1/11 period, many senior BNP leaders abandoned Khaleda Zia out of fear and did not respond to her calls. Roy claimed he was among the first to oppose the 1/11 political situation.

He also noted that during that time, Jamaat-e-Islami did not issue any statement in support of Tarique Rahman, saying it would not take responsibility for the alleged misdeeds of Khaleda Zia and her son. Roy added that when Jamaat leaders were later arrested in war crimes cases, Khaleda Zia issued statements and even sought their release. He urged Jamaat to acknowledge its mistakes from 1971.

Referring to Jamaat leader ATM Azharul Islam’s comments on relations with India, Roy said Bangladesh should maintain economic friendship with all but avoid subservience, emphasizing equality and sovereignty in foreign relations.