Sheikh Mujib's honour to be restored if party, family apologise for his post-liberation war crimes: Mahfuj Alam

Sheikh Mujib's honour will be restored if his party and family members apologise to the people of Bangladesh for his post-1971 mass killings, enforced disappearances, corruption, famine and '72 constitution, which paved the way for Bakshal, Special Assistant to the chief adviser Mahfuj Alam said today (13 November).

In a Facebook post yesterday (12 November) he said, Sheikh Mujib and his daughter, former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, faced people's wrath during their respective fascist regimes. 

"The only difference is, unlike Hasina, Sheikh Mujib was once a popular demagogue of eastern Bengal Mass. The mass followed him against Pakistani tyranny, But he became a tyrant himself after '71. For his support and patronage to Mujibism, Bangladesh became crippled and divided after '71. For his fascist role, people didn't lament his death in 1975," reads the post.

"But, Sheikh will enjoy the honour for his pre-71 roles if his party and family members apologise to the people of Bangladesh for Sheikh's post '71 mass killings, enforced disappearances, corruption, famine and of course, the ' 72 constitutions, which paved the way for Bakshal," it adds.

He asserted that Awami League and his family should also recognise, apologise and face trials for Sheikh Hasina's fascist regime. "They should also abandon the politics of Mujibism and idolisation of the Sheikh family," he added.

Also, regarding the removal of Sheikh Mujib's portrait from Bangabhaban, he said, "The photo was removed due to his daughter's fascist rule in the name and spirit of her post '71 fascist father. Her father was deified, but the people of Bangladesh brought down both of their pictures, murals and sculptures altogether after the July uprising."

He said, "We have to remember that history can't be erased. And, we are here to reconcile historical anomalies and misattribution. Remember, the '71 Liberation War belongs to the mass people of Bangladesh. 

"Again, any liberation warrior who was involved in any wrongdoing after '71, should be tried and punished. They shouldn't be exempted for their role in the liberation war."

He hoped Bangladesh would rise above deification and feud among ruling families. 

"The spirit of the July uprising, along with '47 and '71, should remain alive in our collective memories," he added.