The inclusion of names of convicted war criminals in the condolence motion and the disrespect for the national anthem during the inaugural session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad on March 12 have provoked widespread outrage and condemnation, marking what many describe as an unforgivable insult to the millions of martyrs who fought for Bangladesh’s independence.
Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, a veteran freedom fighter, moved the initial motion honoring deceased former lawmakers, including former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, and international figures such as former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. However, following proposals from opposition members—primarily from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and supported by BNP chief whip—the list was expanded to include six Jamaat leaders and one BNP figure: Matiur Rahman Nizami, Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid, Abdul Quader Mollah, Mohammad Kamaruzzaman, Mir Quasem Ali, Delawar Hossain Sayeedi, and Salauddin Quader Chowdhury.
These individuals were convicted by the International Crimes Tribunal for crimes against humanity, including genocide, mass murder, rape, and collaboration with Pakistani occupation forces during the Liberation War. Most were executed after fair trials, with their roles in atrocities against Bengalis well-documented in history.
The adoption of this expanded motion has been slammed as a direct betrayal of the spirit of 1971. The Democratic United Front (Gana Oikya Front), a coalition of leftist parties, issued a blistering statement.
“On the very first day of the 13th National Parliament, multiple despicable incidents occurred, amounting to open treachery against the Liberation War, national dignity, and the blood of 30 lakh martyrs.” They described the inclusion as “a heinous crime against history, the sacrifices of 30 lakh martyrs, and the nation’s existence,” demanding immediate removal of the names from the condolence motion.
The Bangladesh Socialist Party (BASAD-Marxist) coordinator Masud Rana condemned it as “treachery against the sacrifices of lakhs of martyrs of the Liberation War,” accusing the BNP of breaking promises made during elections by portraying itself as pro-Liberation while now honoring anti-Liberation forces.
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The Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) called the act “unforgivable,” stating it represents “extreme betrayal” of the 30 lakh martyrs and the brutal torture suffered by hundreds of thousands of women. CPB President Kazi Sajjad Zahir Chandan and General Secretary Abdullah Kafi Ratan emphasized that Jamaat-e-Islami and its ideological heirs, now seated in parliament, have shown audacity in honoring convicted killers.
Student Federation leaders Mashiur Rahman Khan Richard, and Saikat Arif declared it a “clear betrayal” of Bangladesh achieved through the blood of lakhs of martyrs, insisting that justice for 1971 war crimes remains integral to the state’s foundation. They linked it to the 2024 uprising, arguing that such leniency toward war criminals betrays the dreams of July martyrs and called for fair trials for all atrocities from 1971 to 2024.
Cultural organization Udichi Shilpigosthi strongly rejected the move, calling it not only a staining of history but also “extreme humiliation” to Liberation War martyrs. They demanded punishment for MPs who disrespected the national anthem during the session.
A statement from 41 eminent citizens—including poets, writers, journalists, and activists—demanded the immediate expungement of the controversial portion from parliamentary records, warning against future such steps that undermine national institutions.
Senior journalist and Liberation War researcher Probir Kumar Sarker observes that this egregious act in the BNP-Jamaat-dominated parliament—convened after the February 12 farcical election—has deepened divisions over historical accountability. By honoring those who aided genocide against their own people and disrespecting the national anthem, the House has not only dishonored the Liberation War but also sent a dangerous message that justice can be rewritten for political expediency.
Probir said that the nation must reject this normalization of collaborators and demand restoration of the parliament’s dignity through swift retraction and accountability. The blood of 1971’s martyrs deserves unwavering respect, not parliamentary whitewashing, he added.