Dhaka: Deputy Opposition Leader Syed Abdullah Mohammed Taher on Thursday asserted his status as a ‘child freedom fighter’ (Shishu Muktijoddha), stating he aided refugees during the 1971 Liberation War by assisting their passage to India.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Taher made this declaration while participating in a parliamentary discussion on the thanksgiving motion for the President’s address at the current session’s commencement. He emphasized that none of the current Jamaat-e-Islami leadership were Razakars or Al-Badr, countering claims branding them as collaborators. Taher explained that his family provided shelter and guidance to refugees near the border, facilitating their safe crossing into India. He insisted that such contributions validate his claim and that accusations of being Razakars are unfounded.
Taher further cautioned the government against the dangers of holding a two-thirds majority in parliament, drawing on historical instances from the subcontinent. He referenced Indira Gandhi’s ousting in India and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s assassination in Bangladesh to illustrate the precarious nature of overwhelming parliamentary power. Taher expressed the need to learn from past events to prevent similar occurrences in Bangladesh’s future political landscape.
Addressing concerns over parliamentary discourse, Taher criticized the use of indecent language, highlighting an instance where the health minister allegedly used the term ‘Razakar.’ He argued that such language is inappropriate and could erode mutual respect within political dialogue.
In response to a claim by the finance minister, Taher clarified that Jamaat does not own any bank, specifically referencing Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited. He stated that no Jamaat MPs hold directorships or have benefited from loan rescheduling with the bank. Taher acknowledged that individuals sharing their ideological views may have contributed to the bank’s founding but denied any current operational involvement.