Gonotantrik Jukta Front slams Parliament’s condolence resolution for ‘war criminals’

Bangla Press Desk:   The Gonotantrik Jukta Front, a political alliance of left-leaning parties, has strongly condemned and protested the inclusion of the names of individuals convicted of war crimes in the condolence motion on the first day of the first session of the 13th National Parliament.

In a statement issued Friday, the alliance leaders described the incident as "contrary to the spirit of the Liberation War."The statement said that the parliamentary condolence motion included the names of several individuals convicted during the Awami League regime for their involvement in genocide during the 1971 Liberation War as members of the Al-Badr and Razakar forces. According to the alliance, such an initiative amounts to "disrespect toward the national dignity of independent Bangladesh and the sacrifices of the martyrs of the Liberation War."

The statement also alleged that during the playing of the national anthem inside parliament, some members hesitated to stand, which reflects disregard for national dignity.

Leaders of the The Gonotantrik Jukta Front further claimed that ATM Azharul Islam, who is known to have been convicted in a case of crimes against humanity, has been included in the panel of chairpersons of parliament, which they consider unacceptable. 

According to the alliance leaders, such a decision contradicts the dignity of parliament.

The statement added that the mass uprising of July–August 2024 was against discrimination and authoritarianism, not for the rehabilitation of forces opposed to the Liberation War.

The The Gonotantrik Jukta Front placed three demands: 1. The immediate withdrawal of the names of individuals convicted of war crimes from the parliamentary condolence motion, 2. Taking appropriate action under parliamentary rules against members who refused to stand during the national anthem, and 3. Removing ATM Azharul Islam from the panel of chairpersons of parliament.

The statement was signed by leaders of various parties within the alliance, including General Secretary of the Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (Basad) Bazlur Rashid Firoz; President of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) Kazi Sazzad Zahir Chandan; CPB General Secretary Abdullah Kafi Ratan; President of Bangladesh Jasad Sharif Nurul Ambia; its General Secretary Nazmul Haque Prodhan; General Secretary of the Biplobi Communist League Iqbal Kabir Jahid; General Secretary of the Ganatantrik Biplobi Party Mosharrefa Mishu; Coordinator of Basad (Marxist) Masud Rana; Executive President of the Bangladesh Samajtantrik Party Abdul Ali; Acting Coordinator of the Jatiya Gana Front Rajat Huda; and President of the Sonar Bangla Party Syed Harun Or Rashid.

The statement was sent by Razequzzaman Ratan, Assistant General Secretary of the Central Committee of Basad

.Source: daily Sun

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