Jahangirnagar University vice-chancellor professor Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan has drawn criticism for his recent remarks describing Begum Khaleda Zia and her children as freedom fighters in the War of Independence in 1971.
Speaking at an event on May 30 marking the 44th death anniversary of former president Ziaur Rahman, professor Ahsan said, 鈥楾he first female freedom fighter was our mother, the mother of democracy, Begum Khaleda Zia and the first child freedom fighters were young Tarique and Arafat.鈥�
He elaborated that on March 25, 1971, Ziaur Rahman left his family to join the war, entrusting his children to Khaleda Zia and, therefore, she and her sons should be recognised as early freedom fighters.
The comments, shared widely on social media, have sparked intense backlash. Critics argue the remarks distort historical facts and reflect political bias.
Anowar Hossain, a chemistry student of the university, said that the comments were 鈥榠nsulting to real female freedom fighters鈥� and questioned Ahsan鈥檚 political neutrality.
Robiul Islam, a student of the history department, stated that while teachers might have political views, such public statement of the VC was 鈥榰nacceptable鈥�.
Abdur Rashid Jitu, convener of the Mass Uprising Protection Movement, remarked that the War of Independence was a collective national effort, and politicising its history would weaken the credibility of academic leadership.
In response, professor Ahsan defended his remarks, saying a 鈥榮elective portion鈥� of his speech was circulated.
鈥業 spoke of the sacrifices made by the 300 soldiers of the East Bengal Regiment and their families,鈥� the VC said, adding that criticism is welcome, but distortion is not.
