Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami–nominated candidate for Kushtia-3 constituency, Mufti Amir Hamza, on Tuesday claimed that his party did not oppose the Liberation War of 1971 but rather stood against India, alleging that the party’s role during the war has long been misrepresented.

Speaking at a Victory Day rally organised by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami in Kushtia, Amir Hamza said the prevailing narrative about Jamaat’s role in 1971 was inaccurate.

“The role of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami in 1971 has been distorted for years,” he said, urging people to consult writings by historian Badruddin Umar.

He claimed that a large portion of accounts surrounding the Liberation War were not based on facts.

He said the rally demonstrated Jamaat’s commitment to Bangladesh’s independence, adding that the party had opposed what it viewed as India’s aggression at the time.

“Because we stood against India, we were labelled as opponents of the Liberation War,” he said. “Our objective now is to free future Bangladesh from India’s influence and run the country as a truly independent state.”

Expressing optimism about national unity, Amir Hamza said the country would remain united in the future.

He also stressed inclusivity, saying that all individuals born in Bangladesh are respected citizens.

“We want to move forward together. Continuously revisiting past divisions will not help. By leaving the past behind, we can create a new history,” he said, adding that national unity should take precedence over party identity.

Kushtia District Jamaat Secretary Shuja Uddin Joardar, Assistant Secretary Mazharul Haque, City Jamaat Amir Enamul Haque and other party leaders at various levels attended the rally.