Veteran columnist Anis Alamgir has raised alarm bells over Jamaat-e-Islami’s controversial apology for its historical actions, terming it a “trick” to evade accountability for its role in the 1971 Liberation War.
His remarks come in a discussion on journalist Masood Kamal’s platform as Bangladesh grapples with sweeping changes to election laws and mounting concerns over law and order, with fears that these could undermine the integrity of the upcoming national polls slated for February 2026.
Alamgir’s interview, aired amid heightened political scrutiny of the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, dissected two pivotal events from the previous day: Jamaat’s unconditional plea for forgiveness and amendments to the Representation of the People Order (RPO) that introduce “no vote” options and stricter coalition rules. “This is not genuine remorseโit’s like their bot army abusing critics on social media,” Alamgir said, dismissing the gesture as superficial.
Jamaat’s Apology: A ‘Trick’ Without 1971 Reckoning
Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman, speaking from abroad, issued a broad apology on October 22, 2025, covering “any suffering caused from 1947 to 8:11 PM today,” extending it to the entire nation or individuals alike. Alamgir, a sharp critic of the Islamist party’s legacy, rejected it outright, insisting it sidesteps the core issue: Jamaat’s complicity in the 1971 genocide.
“The problem isn’t 1947; it’s 1971,” Alamgir emphasised. He accused Jamaat of opposing Bangladesh’s independence, forming paramilitary units like Al-Badr, Al-Shams, and Razakars to aid Pakistani forces in atrocities, including the killing of intellectuals and the misuse of religion to justify violence against fellow Muslims.
“They’ve apologised four timesโGhulam Azam, Nizami, now himโbut without a party resolution admitting the 1971 mistakes, it’s meaningless trickery,” he added.
Alamgir argued that true forgiveness requires an organisational stance, not personal statements from leaders. He predicted limited electoral impact, noting that while Rahman may seek votes across symbols (including the Awami League’s boat), those scarred by 1971 will remain unforgiving. “This isn’t a common error; it’s a profound betrayal that’s hard to absolve,” he said, urging Jamaat to evolve beyond its “sectarian NGO” image to gain broader public support.
The apology has reignited debates on Jamaat’s rehabilitation post the July 2024 uprising that ousted Sheikh Hasina’s government. Critics fear it signals a softening stance by Yunus’ administration toward the party, which has been accused of exploiting the power vacuum to expand influence.
Election Law Reforms: ‘Stupid’ Changes Risk Undermining Fair Play
Shifting to electoral reforms, Alamgir lambasted recent RPO amendments as “stupid” and impractical, warning they could disenfranchise smaller parties and erode voter trust. Key changes include the reinstatement of a “no vote” optionโlimited to single-candidate scenariosโand mandates for independent candidates to secure signatures from 1% of constituency voters, alongside tweaks to coalition politics barring the use of allied party symbols.
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“Why ally with big parties if you can’t use popular symbols like the boat or paddy sheaf?” Alamgir questioned, arguing that without such symbols, smaller outfits like the National Citizen Party (NCP) would struggle to compete. He highlighted logistical nightmares: collecting 1% signatures (potentially 10,000 in large constituencies) risks breaching voter privacy and invites fraud, as past efforts often involved bogus submissions challenged in court.
The “no vote” provision drew particular scorn. “It’s ridiculous for single candidates to vote no against the only option? But if multiple candidates are disliked, where’s the choice?” Alamgir said. He advocated for a universal “no vote” to reflect global democratic norms, calling the selective rollout a “foolish decision” that mocks voter agency.
These reforms, approved by the cabinet, come as the Election Commission (EC) faces intense pressure. In a recent meeting with BNP leaders, the party demanded army deployment seven days pre-polls, exclusion of Jamaat-linked personnel from Islamic Bank or affiliated institutions in voting duties, and a freeze on school management committee reshufflesโfearing these could tilt the scales toward Jamaat sympathisers.
Law and Order in Peril
Alamgir’s sharpest critique targeted law and order, portraying the EC as the “biggest obstacle” to credible elections. Beyond institutional biases, he flagged AI-driven disinformation and unchecked social media abuse as existential threats. “Propaganda isn’t just AIโit’s daily smears ruining campaigns. Who stops a viral page with thousands of shares?” he asked, citing examples like fabricated scandals targeting BNP figures such as Tarique Rahman.
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Without robust suppression mechanisms, Alamgir warned, elections could turn violent. “The army, even 10 days early, can’t arrest every troll. Social media runs amok with ‘freedom of lies,'” he said, urging political parties to prioritise digital safeguards. He linked this to broader insecurity, including BNP’s demands to bar Jamaat-affiliated officials from polling stations, amid reports of the party’s growing footprint in state institutions.
The Yunus government’s selective engagement exacerbates these fears. While 30-35 parties attended the Ekushey Commission for equal dialogue, Yunus consults only BNP, Jamaat, and NCP on critical mattersโeven taking them on a New York trip funded by state coffers, where they mingled with expatriate members rather than receiving official embassy welcomes. “This is blatant favouritism,” Alamgir charged, noting prior BNP complaints of NCP getting priority access.
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In meetings with Yunus over the past two days, all three parties voiced “common” grievances against “partial” advisers, with NCP’s leader claiming some seek “safe exits.” Yet, Alamgir doubts reforms: “Yunus listens but acts on his termsโa lone wolf leader.” He estimates 4-6 advisers could face scrutiny if names were disclosed, but the vagueness suggests “smoke and mirrors” to pressure without accountability.
Alamgir called for immediate pollsโJanuary if not Februaryโto install a “party government” accountable to the people, decrying the current “14-party circus” as unanswerable. “People want change, not endless delays that breed controversy,” he concluded.
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