Jamaat opposed independence in 1971 due to wrong politics: Prince

Jamaat-e-Islami opposed Bangladesh's independence in 1971 due to its wrong politics, BNP Joint Secretary General Syed Emran Saleh Prince said on Friday. 

He said the Awami League came to power in 1996 because of Jamaat's misguided politics, adding that the party's imprudent political approach could again create an opportunity for the fascist Awami League to return to politics.

Prince made the remarks while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the late Riaz Uddin Talukder Memorial Gold Cup Football Tournament as the chief guest at Taldighi ground in Tarakanda, Mymensingh, this afternoon.

Responding to a recent statement by Jamaat's secretary general, Prince said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's remarks were not mere political speculation but a warning based on his political experience, analysis of the actual situation and specific intelligence information. He said the main objective of the remarks was to alert the people.

Criticising the Jamaat secretary general's statement, Prince said the BNP's political strategy is to maintain close ties with the people of Bangladesh, not with any other country. He said the people were the source of the BNP's political power and the driving force behind it.

Prince said people must remain united and vigilant against those seeking to destabilise the country and undermine the democratic environment through political conspiracies. Responding to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's call, he urged the people to remain alert to any anti-state conspiracy and attempts to create anarchy.

Highlighting the BNP government's initiatives to develop sports, Prince said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had taken special steps to enable students to pursue sports as a profession. Sports would be included in the curriculum from Class IV in the next academic year, while one playground is being designated in each union, he said.

He added that sports festivals would be held throughout the year, from the capital to rural areas.

Prince said young people were the strength of Bangladesh's future. Creating a suitable environment for sports is essential to make proper use of their talent, potential and energy, he said.

He also stressed the need to keep playgrounds functional at the union and village levels, nurture new players and create opportunities for talented athletes to develop.

Mymensingh Development Authority Chairman Motahar Hossain Talukder, Tarakanda Upazila Nirbahi Officer Aminul Islam, among others, were present at the programme.