'Tui ke? Ami ke? Razakar, Razakar!': Know Who Were Razakars, after PM Hasina’s Remarks

Dhaka: The Sheikh Hasina-led government has imposed a curfew across Bangladesh following quota protests that have resulted in 105 deaths and over 1500 injuries.  

Law enforcement agencies fired bullets and tear gas to maintain law and order after students clashed with the forces in Dhaka.   

PM Sheikh Hasina Labels Protestors as ‘Razakars’

PM Hasina labeled the protesters as 'Razakars', a term historically used for Bengali Muslims who supported Pakistan during the 1971 Liberation War.

'Why is there so much resentment towards freedom fighters? If the grandchildren of freedom fighters don’t get quota benefits, should the grandchildren of Razakars?' said Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. 

Students Raising Slogans of 'We are Razakars’

Protester are chanting ‘we are Razakar’ slogans in response to PM Hasina’s remarks. 'Tui ke? Ami ke? Razakar, Razakar!' slogans were raised by students by marching in the campus of Dhaka University. 

Who Were Razakars?

‘Razakar’ is etymologically an Arabic word meaning volunteer while, in Bangladesh the word gives the connotation of being a traitor or betrayal. The past legacy of the Razakars remains a sensitive issue in Bangladesh.

Razakars were the Paramilitary Forces composed of Bengali Muslims of East Pakistan that were operated by the Pakistani Army against the Mukti Bahini, the guerrilla resistance movement fighting for Bangladesh's independence. 

They were tasked with counter-insurgency operations, including intelligence gathering, patrolling, and combating the Mukti Bahini fighters. 

The Razakar being involved in heinous crimes has left a deep scar on the collective memory of Bangladesh. They are widely condemned for their role in the genocide and human rights abuses during the war. 

Razakars committed widespread atrocities and genocide during the war, including mass killings, rapes, and loots. 

After the war ended with Dhaka being the free capital of a free nation, many Razakars faced retribution. Some were captured and faced consequences of their crime, while others fled the country or went into hiding.  

While the Prime Minister referring Protesters as Razakars, it invokes the memory of the atrocities and genocide of Bengali Muslims of East Pakistan and the freedom fighters of Mukti Bahini. 

Why Are Students Protesting in Bangladesh?

Students are protesting against the reinstatement of the 30% quota system in government jobs for families of 1971 Liberation War freedom fighters.