ICT charges won't prove true: Prof Ghulam Azam

Ghulam Azam

Former Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Professor Ghulam Azam has challenged the allegations placed against him before the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). 

"Let them prove those(charges); I am sure that they cannot prove any of the charges InshaAllah," he said and termed the allegations as a slander against him and the trial as a farce.

In an interview with newsmen at his residence at Mogbazar in the city, Professor Ghulam Azam said their 1971-apprehension that India came actually not to liberate Bangladesh, rather serve its own interests has been proved in the 40 years' period after the independence."Observing 25 years' attitude of India (1947-1971) with then Pakistan, we were confirmed that if East Pakistan is separated with India's help, it (East Pakistan) will not be an independent state," he said.

India helped us for their three interests. These are: 1) weakening its perpetual enemy 'Pakistan' by division;2) making easy to establish India's domination here; and 3) turning the country into a market of Indian products, he said, adding that that's why they (Jamaat)politically didn't want to be separated from Pakistan.

"We would remain with them(AL) in the movement of liberation if they wouldn't have lied obstinately at Indira Gandhi's door for our freedom," he said.

Mentioning geographical location of the territories of Bangladesh and India, Ghulam Azam said, "We apprehended of absolute control of India over Bangladesh if we separate ourselves."

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman also didn't want separation of East Pakistan (Bangladesh) rather he wanted to be a Prime Minister of the whole Pakistan, Ghulam Azam claimed.

Describing political situation of pre-1970 national polls in then East Pakistan, he said, "An idea was created among then East Pakistan people that a Bangalee, and he is Sheikh Mujib, not any West Pakistan leader, will have to be in the power of Pakistan for protecting their rights. It is the achievement of the leadership of Sheikh Mujib."

Replying to Ghulam Azam's1970-election campaign that Sheikh Mujib wanted to divide Pakistan and East Pakistan would be a part of India, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman replied, "We don't want to divide Pakistan; we have been separated (from India) not to be united with it," he said.

The people in many places told Ghulam Azam that they liked and loved him but would vote Sheikh Mujib in thatyear for grabbing the state power, he said.

When Yehya postponed the assembly without consulting with the majority party, Sheikh Mujib, who was supposed tobe the Prime Minister, revolted. Then, East Pakistan government came under the control of Sheikh Mujib, Ghulam Azam said, adding that if he (Mujib) just declared independence at that time, Bangladesh would be liberated but he didn't want separation. "Actually number one person responsible for dividing Pakistan is Bhutto," he added.

Even Syed Nazrul Islam, who took part in the Yehya-Mujib talk, on March 24 night, told Azam that they didn't want to divide Pakistan rather wanted to keep it intact with the recognition of the six-point demand, he said.

When asked about his role during the Liberation War, Azam said he was in Bangladesh during the war, tried to help the people at his capacity, and did nothing that was crimes against humanity. On November 20, 1971, he went to Lahore to attend central working committee meeting of Jamaat.

About the Razakar and other forces alike it, he said the forces were formed by the Pakistan government through drumming and the people, basically unemployed, joined them.

About the allegation of planning for the March 25 genocide in 1971, he said, "It seems (from their allegation) that I was in government at that time. What evidence they have? I will challenge. They won't be able to prove any charge InshaAllah"

Evaluating the crimes tribunal,he said it (ICT) was their own tribunal formed with their political persons;there was no hope of a fair trial; the head of the judges was involved in Ghadanik Dalal Nirmul Committee (Ghadanik), which earlier ordered for hanging him.

He further said Sheikh MujiburRahman settled the war crimes issue forgiving the 195 identified war criminals-cum Pakistani soldiers through Simla treaty. No civilian was included in the list.

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman also declared 'general amnesty' for the civilians after trying many of them as collaborators under the Collaborator Act, he said, alleging that they (Jamaat men) were currently being tried under the act, made for trying the Pakistani soldiers.

After the 2001 polls, where AL was defeated to four-party alliance for vote-bank of Jamaat, they raised the war crimes issue as a conspiracy to make Jamaat leaderless and ineffective in the political field, he alleged.

He also said in different movements including that against autocratic Ershad, they (Jamaat and AL)together declared programme and held meetings but they didn't term them war criminals at that time.

In 1991, AL's Amir Hossain Amu offered women seats in the JS and posts of ministers to Ali Ahsan Muhammad Mujahid for Jamaat and invited to form a coalition government, he noted.

When his reaction was sought ifany punishing judgment was passed by the ICT against him, Ghulam Azam said,"A 'Mumin' (believer) cannot fear anything or anybody except Almighty Allah,who decides about life and death."

If he was hanged in falseallegation, he would be martyred, he said, adding that if the people prevent it(trial and judgment), it will not be implemented.

If Bangladesh remains as an independent state, Islam will be established one day here; very Islam is the safeguard of the country's sovereignty; if Islam doesn't remain in the country,it will become a state of India, Ghulam Azam said and suggested the new generation to know the history.

 The New Nation