Who are the Razakars?
The word “Razakar” is of South Asian origin. It is used in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan. From Razakar meaning, the Razakar word is associated with war and struggles. The term “Razakar” is deeply connected with Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, and the politics, movements, and struggles of post-war Bangladesh. In essence, it is tied to the political history of the Indian subcontinent. Especially in Bangladesh, it is a widely discussed and criticized term.
This word was originally used positively, meaning helpful or good in India and Pakistan. Even today, in some contexts, it is used positively. However, depending on time, place, and context, it has taken on a negative, derogatory meaning. In present-day Bangladesh, it refers to a traitor, a betrayer of the country, and a despicable person.
Razakar Meaning
This term “Razakar” used in Bangladesh is originally derived from Urdu and Persian languages. In Bengali, it means “volunteer,” while in Hindi it means “Swayamsevak” (volunteer). The Bangla word “Razakar” comes from the Urdu word “Razakar” or “Rezakaar.” Below are the meanings of “Razakar” in different languages:
In Urdu:
“Razakar” originates from Urdu, meaning “volunteer.” It generally refers to someone engaged in voluntary service.
In Persian:
In Persian, the word “Razakar” is composed of two words: “Raza” (meaning satisfaction, consent, or will) and “Kar” (meaning work or action). In Persian, it is used for people participating in good work voluntarily.
In Hindi
Hindi, “Razakar” is borrowed from Persian and Urdu, meaning “volunteer” or “Swayamsevak.” In India, Razakars are referred to in English as “volunteers”—those who willingly assist, especially in social or military activities.
Razakar meaning In Bengali
Bengali, “Razakar” was also initially used to mean “volunteer.” During the Liberation War, the Razakar force sided against the Bangladeshis. After independence, various political parties began using the term negatively to label enemies and opponents. It became defined negatively in textbooks. Gradually, “Razakar” became synonymous with traitor, betrayer, and an object of hate.
Different Meanings and Uses of Razakar
Razakar forces have sometimes worked in favor of their country and against it—sometimes in civilian roles, sometimes in warfare. Sometimes they acted as militia or paramilitary forces, assisting national armies. In some cases, they were patriots; in others, traitors. Therefore, the meaning of Razakar has varied depending on the situation, such as:
1. In the General Sense (Original Meaning) — Volunteer In Urdu and Persian, “Razakar” means “volunteer”—someone who willingly engages in work, especially military, social, or humanitarian activities.
2. In Military and Political Sense Militarily, Razakar means fighter, co-fighter, or supporter in war. In British India, “Razakars” referred to a militia fighting for the Nizam of Hyderabad against India’s integration post-1947. In Pakistan, Razakar referred to volunteer forces that engaged in military or paramilitary activities.
3. In Bangladesh (Negative Meaning) — Traitor During the 1971 Liberation War, Razakar referred to a volunteer force collaborating with the Pakistani military.
Who were the Razakars?
Historically, Razakar or militia forces sometimes fought for their country, for the enemy. Hence, discussion from both perspectives—positive and negative—is necessary. Below are discussions of both types:
Volunteer Razakar:
The literal meaning of Razakar is a volunteer—someone who serves or helps willingly. In wartime, it meant supporting one’s side voluntarily without seeking personal gain. Volunteers typically assist in social, humanitarian, or environmental efforts, such as disaster relief, aiding the poor, contributing to education and healthcare, etc.
Volunteers may also assist the military or paramilitary forces during wars, working in favor of their country—such as the Hyderabad Razakar force (1947).
Traitor Razakar:
Individuals or groups who, whether as volunteers, militia, or paramilitary forces, work against their own country—conspiring, aiding the enemy, or seeking personal gain by betraying their nation—are labeled as traitor Razakars.
When voluntary service is directed against humanity, ethics, or national interests, aiding the country’s enemies, it is seen as a betrayal. Thus, a volunteer becomes a traitorous Razakar—similar to how during WWII, some European forces supported Nazi Germany against their own countries. Mir Jafar’s betrayal of Bengal to the British is another example, as is the Kuwaiti militia aiding Iraq during the Iraq-Kuwait war.
Historical Examples of Razakar Forces:
Throughout history, paramilitary forces have been labeled Razakars. Their role was sometimes to support their nation’s military, sometimes to betray it. Here are notable examples:
1. Hyderabad Razakar Force (Striving for Independence):
Hyderabad, a princely state in British India, sought independence during the 1947 Indian partition. Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan resisted joining India. To defend the state, he formed the “Razakar Militia” led by Kasim Rizvi. However, during “Operation Polo” (Sept 13–17, 1948), Indian forces defeated them, integrating Hyderabad into India. Here, Razakars fought to keep their state independent.
2. Nazi-Collaborating Militias during WWII:
During WWII, Nazi Germany formed local collaborating militias in occupied countries to assist in subjugating local populations.
- Vichy Militia (France): Collaborated with Nazi Germany.
- Ustasha (Croatia): Conducted genocide against Serbs and Jews.
- Waffen-SS Foreign Divisions: European militias fighting for Nazis.
3. British India's Collaborator Forces:
During the British conquest of India, some local rulers, landlords, and soldiers sided with the British.
- In 1757’s Battle of Plassey, Mir Jafar and others betrayed Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah.
- Jagat Seth, Umichand, and Rai Durlabh also supported the British.
Thus, British victory was aided by betrayal, and “Mir Jafar” became synonymous with traitor.
4. Kuwaiti Sabah Militia in the Iraq-Kuwait War:
In 1990, during Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, some Kuwaitis collaborated with Iraqi forces—providing information and betraying Kuwaiti resistance forces. After Kuwait’s liberation in 1991, many collaborators were punished.
5. Razakars in Bangladesh:
During the 1971 Liberation War, the Razakar force was formed. Instead of helping Bangladeshi fighters, they supported the Pakistani military.
- They worked against the freedom fighters.
- They aided Pakistani forces.
- They engaged in torture, murder, looting, and rape.
Because they betrayed the Liberation cause, “Razakar” lost its original noble meaning and became synonymous with “traitor,” “betrayer,” and “cruel collaborator.” Their misdeeds are documented in textbooks and educational institutions. In politics, the term is often used as an insult. It has become a common derogatory term, especially for those associated with anti-independence activities.
Trial of the Razakars.
Across the world, traitors and collaborators with enemy forces have been punished. Some notable examples include:
France: After WWII, collaborators with the Nazi-backed Vichy regime were tried, many receiving death sentences or long prison terms.
Norway: Prime Minister Vidkun Quisling and others who aided Nazis were executed. “Quisling” became synonymous with “traitor.”
Croatia: Ustasha leaders who participated in the genocide were executed after WWII.
Kuwait: After the 1991 liberation, Kuwaiti collaborators with Iraq were executed or sentenced to long prison terms.
Various countries have taken strict actions against traitors and enemies of the nation to ensure that no one engages in actions that go against the national interest in the future.
The Trial of Razakars in Bangladesh.
In 2010, the International Crimes Tribunal was established to begin the trial of the war criminals (Razakars) who committed atrocities during the 1971 Liberation War. Many have been sentenced to death or life imprisonment, while some have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the rest of their lives.
However, the trial of the Razakars in Bangladesh has raised several questions. In other countries, the trials of war criminals were held immediately after the end of the war or conflict. But in Bangladesh, despite the Liberation War in 1971, the trials of the Razakars did not take place at that time. Both political parties, during their time in power, made use of the Razakars’ support.
Allaince with Razakar
The ruling party, Awami League, allied with the Razakar-linked party, Jamaat-e-Islami, during the Jot Path Movement (1995) and later formed the government. On the other hand, another party, BNP, formed an electoral alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami and created a coalition government (2001).
After utilizing the benefits of Jamaat-e-Islami, the Awami League, having secured its political base, took steps to initiate the trial of the Razakars. Meanwhile, after 24 years (2001-2024) of forming alliances and participating in movements with Jamaat-e-Islami, BNP has now labeled Jamaat-e-Islami as a Razakar party involved in anti-independence and human rights violations.
In conclusion Both major political parties in Bangladesh have used the Razakars for their interests and, when those interests were no longer needed, started viewing them as enemies. This raises questions about the transparency of the trial process, which many believe is politically motivated.
Meer Jafar and the Razakars
When someone betrays trust, secretly conspires, or commits treason, they are referred to as a “Mir Jafar” in the Bengali context.
Treason is not only about personal betrayal; it also involves actions that aid the enemy. When an individual conspires against a country’s independence or engages in anti-national activities to serve their interests, they are labeled a “Razakar.” Razakars are more than just traitors; they collaborate with the enemy to undermine the nation’s interests, erode independence, and compromise sovereignty. Consequently, the term “Razakar” has come to symbolize hatred and national betrayal.
Who are the Neo-Razakars?
The “Neo-Razakars” are individuals who, in contemporary times, participate in activities that undermine the nation for their gain. They collaborate with adversaries, conspire against the nation’s independence and sovereignty, and engage in actions that damage the country politically, economically, or socially. They sow confusion and partake in activities that contradict the national interest.