Dhaka: Gonoshasthya Kendra founder Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury on Wednesday suggested Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami to apologise to the nation for its anti-liberation war role in 1971.

At a discussion in presence of Jamaat Nayeb-e-ameer Mia Ghulam Parwar, he said, ‘Jamaat is one of the key allies of the 20-party. They (Jamaat) should offer a public apology if they truly demands Khaleda Zia’s release. I think, it’ll be a logical ground for the current leaders of the party to apologise for the mistake their predecessors made.’

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), one of the components the BNP-led 20-party, arranged the discussion at the Jatiya Press Club on Khaleda Zia’s release and a mid-term election, reports the UNB.

Zafrullah, also a freedom fighter, said the new generation Jamaat leaders have the right to do politics, but they should regret the party’s role in the 1971.

About Khaleda Zia’s release from jail, he said an all-out and united movement is necessary to free her, and BNP must play the main role in it. ‘BNP needs to work for having Khaleda Zia freed from jail correcting its previous mistakes.’

The Gonoshasthya Kendra founder also said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has made a big mistake by keeping Khaleda Zia in jail.

‘Take steps for the release of Khaleda Zia on bail for your self-defence,’ he said pointing at the Prime Minister.

Speaking at the programme, Jamaat leader Mia Ghulam Parwar said their party will remain with the 20-party as in the past to wage a movement against the government and free Khaleda Zia from jail.

He, however, said the 20-party and the Jatiya Oikyafront need to understand people’s sentiment and make their political strategies clear before people.