Jamaat vows to teach students ‘correct’ Liberation War history

In a move bound to raise eyebrows, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has promised to uphold the ideals of the Liberation War – and even teach what it calls the “correct history” of 1971 to students – if it comes to power.

The party unveiled its election manifesto on Wednesday, February 4, after 6:30 pm at the grand ballroom of Sheraton Dhaka, ahead of the 13th National Parliament elections. 

Given the party’s historical stance against Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, the manifesto’s eighth section focuses on the Liberation War and the July Uprising, pledging to instil equality, human dignity, and social justice in national and state life.

Jamaat also promised that the July Mass Uprising Directorate will operate transparently and accountably, using modern digital technology. 

Additional pledges include monthly allowances for martyrs and July fighters, housing for their families, rehabilitation programs, and full coverage of medical expenses for the injured and disabled.