'71 war crimes collaborators must apologise: Mahfuz Alam

Md Mahfuz Alam, adviser to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, has made a strong call for historical justice, stating that collaborators of the 1971 Liberation War crimes must issue a public apology for their role during Bangladesh's war of independence.

In a post from his verified Facebook account published at midnight on Saturday (May 10), Mahfuz Alam emphasised that the legacy of 1971 remains unresolved. “If anyone wishes to participate in politics in Bangladesh, they must abandon the mindset of Pakistan,” he said.

Alam reminded the public that Pakistan committed genocide in Bangladesh during the Liberation War. “Even though the Pakistani state has apologised in the past and expressed willingness to do so again, their local collaborators have yet to show remorse or seek forgiveness. This silence is unacceptable,” he wrote.

Calling for a clear rejection of any pro-genocide rhetoric, the adviser condemned what he described as political sabotage efforts by those aligned with anti-liberation ideologies. “We must stop issuing statements that support genocide. We must come clean about the past,” he said.

Alam also directed sharp criticism toward the pro-liberation leftist factions (Mujibism) accusing them of continued betrayal of the ideals of the 1971 war. He claimed they were responsible for enforced disappearances, political murders, and inciting violence during the anti-Modi movement. Referring to them as the “Thirty-Sixth Division,” he alleged that these groups have long operated behind the scenes during the political turbulence of July and continue to maintain influence in key sectors.

“They are culturally and intellectually betraying the spirit of July. They remain in positions of power while working against the pro-liberation forces,” Alam alleged. He warned that these so-called B teams of the League would soon face political defeat, stating: “There is no benefit in relying on someone else’s shoulders.”