The decision by Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament to adopt a condolence motion in the names of individuals convicted of war crimes during the 1971 Liberation War has sparked widespread condemnation from political parties, cultural organisations, and civil society.
The Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) denounced the motion as a “betrayal of the sacrifices of 3 million martyrs and the countless women subjected to atrocities” during the Liberation War. In a statement released on Friday, CPB President Kazi Sajjad Zahir Chandan and General Secretary Abdullah Kafi Ratan expressed outrage over the inclusion of names linked to the Jamaat-e-Islami political party and their affiliates. “The audacity to honour convicted perpetrators in the inaugural session of the 13th Parliament is inexcusable. The people of Bangladesh will never forgive this,” the statement read.
Similarly, the Socialist Party of Bangladesh (BASAD) called for the immediate removal of war criminals’ names from the condolence motion. BASAD Central Committee General Secretary Bazlur Rashid Firoz criticised the government for allowing the parliamentary Chief Whip to propose the motion in the names of convicted Razakars and war criminals, later approved by the Speaker. Firoz described this as a “stain on the nation’s collective memory and an insult to the Liberation War and its martyrs.”
Cultural organisation Bangladesh Udichi also condemned the motion, linking it to broader disrespect for national symbols. Udichi Acting President Mahmud Selim and General Secretary Amit Ranjan De accused opposition MPs of failing to stand during the national anthem, asserting that such actions undermine the constitutional and moral values of the country. “Including the names of convicted war criminals in a parliamentary tribute not only distorts history but dishonours the martyrs of the Liberation War and sends a misleading message to future generations,” the statement said.
In a separate initiative, 41 prominent citizens, including poets, writers, journalists, researchers, and development workers, issued a public statement demanding the immediate withdrawal of the controversial motion from the parliamentary record and urging vigilance against similar acts in the future.
Summary of Reactions
| Organisation / Group | Position on Condolence Motion | Key Statement |
|---|---|---|
| Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) | Strong condemnation | Calls it “a betrayal of Liberation War martyrs” |
| Socialist Party of Bangladesh (BASAD) | Demands removal of names | Labels action “a stain on national conscience” |
| Bangladesh Udichi | Condemnation and protest | Warns of disrespect to national symbols |
| 41 Prominent Citizens | Demands withdrawal | Urges prevention of similar future acts |
The controversy highlights enduring sensitivities over the legacy of the 1971 Liberation War and reflects broad public concern that national institutions must respect historical truth and the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for Bangladesh’s independence.