Bangladesh’s Islamist party, Jamaat‑e‑Islam – a group accused of helping Pakistan during the 1971 war – has issued a broad apology that many pundits say is too vague.
In a New York interview last month, Jamaat chief Shafiqur Rahman said, “From 1947 to today, whoever has suffered because of us, we seek their forgiveness, unconditionally.” He didn’t name the specific crimes or name the victims, which has drawn criticism from experts who want a clearer admission of guilt and responsibility.
The 1971 Liberation War, during which thousands of Bengalis were killed, is still a painful chapter for Bangladesh. Jamaat’s past ties to the Pakistani army and its alleged role in the genocide continue to haunt the party. Analysts say that Rahman’s apology feels more like a public relations move than a true act of contrition.
With the 2026 national elections looming, the party is actively reshaping its image. It has formed alliances with other Islamic parties, launched a new committee aimed at attracting Hindu voters, and promoted women’s issues – including a recent public drive to raise breast‑cancer awareness. Even the party’s logo is changing. The new design shows a rising sun, a pen and a balance scale on a green background, replacing the old symbol that prominently featured Islamic calligraphy.
But, according to research journalist Siam Sarower Jamil from The Diplomat, the substance behind the new look remains the same. “No matter how new the cover, Jamaat’s content seems unchanged so long as it cannot free itself of the horrific crimes it committed in 1971,” he writes.
Jamil raises key questions: Is the apology a genuine admission of responsibility or a strategy to shift public opinion ahead of elections? Is it a bid to win votes? Many observers now doubt whether Jamaat‑e‑Islam’s recent re‑branding signals real remorse or simply sharp rhetoric.
The call for a specific, heartfelt apology – one that names the victims and articulates concrete steps for healing – remains unanswered. How Bangladesh responds to these gestures will influence the country’s political landscape and the nation’s path toward reconciliation.
Source: ianslive
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