In a surprising move, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Amir D Shafiqur Rahman has offered an unconditional apology for all "mistakes and misdeeds" committed by the party since 1947, including during the 1971 Liberation War.
The statement came at no Jamaat event rather it was made during a New York-based Bangla talk show hosted by Thikana’s Khaled Muhiuddin. It marks a significant moment for the largest Islamist party in Bangladesh, which has long faced controversy and criticism for its historical role, particularly in 1971.
The apology came in response to a question about a prior comment Shafiqur made after the acquittal of Jamaat leader ATM Azharul Islam in a war crimes case.
When pressed to clarify whether his earlier apology extended to the Liberation War, Shafiqur said, “Not only in 1971, but from 1947 to today, if anyone has been harmed by us, I have sought unconditional apology from all those people.”
Shafiqul acknowledged that both individuals and groups can err, stating, “Just as people can make mistakes, a group of people can also have wrong decisions. History will determine which is wrong and which is right. What is called wrong today may be proven to be the biggest right tomorrow.”
He emphasised Jamaat’s idealistic roots while admitting human fallibility, adding, “We are not above mistakes. People can suffer and be harmed in various ways by us, by our colleagues. I have apologized for everything without imposing any conditions.”