'When you cross the line, I feel like calling you Razakars, Al-Shams, Al-Badr'

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain has warned Jamaat-e-Islami against crossing the line, saying he feels compelled to remind them of their historical role as Razakars, Al-Shams and Al-Badr forces during the 1971 Liberation War.

Speaking in parliament during the discussion on the motion of thanks on the president's address on Wednesday, April 29, the minister said, "We are behaving well, with courtesy, in the larger interest of the country. I would urge you not to cross the limit. When you cross the line, I feel like calling you Razakars, Al-Shams, Al-Badr."

He said the July uprising did not happen overnight. "The eruption of a volcano does not happen in a single day. The July revolution began 13-14 years ago. Under Tarique Rahman's leadership, BNP, Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal and all its associate bodies created that fire. Through the July revolution, fascism had to bid farewell."

The health minister identified himself as a freedom fighter who fought in the 1971 war at the Belonia border. "Those who want to teach us democracy, those who want to link '71 with '24 and belittle it — I want to tell them, we are behaving well, with courtesy, in the larger interest of the country," he said.

Recalling an incident, Sakhawat said, "I went to Pakistan in 2004 for a SAIFMA conference. A Jamaat-e-Islami MP accompanied me. Knowing that I am a freedom fighter, a Pakistani MP insulted me. I cannot forget that situation. Still, I remain silent for the greater economic interest of the country. But when you cross the line, I feel like calling you Razakars, Al-Shams, Al-Badr."

He also questioned the opposition leader's absence from parliament, saying, "Our opposition leader is not here now. He said yesterday why he is being kept out. Honourable speaker, I want to keep him out a little more."