Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Shafiqur Rahman, has questioned how the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) can claim ownership of the 1971 Liberation War when the party did not exist at that time. He raised the issue during a meeting with families of July martyrs and freedom fighters, criticizing BNP’s assertion that both 1971 and later political milestones belong to them.

Rahman acknowledged that former president Ziaur Rahman made a declaration during the war and fought in it, but argued that giving all credit to one individual undermines the contributions of other fighters. He said that while Zia’s role deserves respect, the collective effort of all freedom fighters must also be recognized.

Criticizing the Awami League, Rahman said the ruling party also tried to monopolize the Liberation War narrative in the past, labeling Ziaur Rahman in derogatory terms. He called for an end to such divisive politics surrounding the war’s legacy.