Chhatra Union slams inclusion of war crimes convicts in parliament condolence motion

The Bangladesh Chhatra Union (Mahir Reza-Bahauddin Shuvo faction) has criticised the inclusion of several convicted war criminals in a condolence motion placed during the opening sitting of the 13th Parliament.

In a press release issued yesterday (12 March), signed by the organisation’s Office Secretary Meraj Khan Ador, the student body alleged that the names of individuals convicted for crimes against humanity during the Liberation War were listed in the parliamentary condolence motion.

According to the statement, those named include Matiur Rahman Nizami, Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid, Delwar Hossain Sayeedi, and Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury.

In a joint statement, the organisation’s central president, Mahir Shahriar Reza and general secretary Bahauddin Shuvo strongly protested the move.

They alleged that by allowing such names to appear in the condolence motion, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party had once again demonstrated its historical alignment with individuals convicted of war crimes.

The leaders described the move as disrespectful to the estimated three million people who lost their lives during the Liberation War.

They further claimed that, instead of honouring the martyrs of the independence struggle, the inclusion of war crimes convicts in the parliamentary condolence motion undermines the sacrifices made during the war.

The Chhatra Union leaders also warned that the Liberation War remains a defining and proud chapter of Bangladesh’s history and said any attempt to diminish its legacy would face strong public reaction.