Razakar (رضا کار) is etymologically anArabic word which literally means volunteer. The word is also common inUrdu language as aloanword. On the other hand, in Bangladesh, razakar is a pejorative word meaning a traitor or Judas.
Razakars were anEast Pakistaniparamilitary force that aided thePakistan Army against theMukti Bahini during theBangladesh Liberation War.[1]
Police Qaumi Razakars are a volunteer force in Pakistan which aids the Police in their duties.[2][3]
In Hyderabad,Razakars were volunteers sponsored by theNizam's state of Hyderabad for opposition to itsmerger with India.[4]
InBangladesh and inBengali, the term "Razakar" refers to individuals who opposed thecountry's independence and collaborated with thePakistani Army during the1971 Liberation War. It is apejorative term, often equated to "traitor" or the biblical figure ofJudas Iscariot. The term originates from theEast Pakistani paramilitary force, theRazakars.[5]
However, during thepremiership of Sheikh Hasina, the term "Razakar/Rajakar" was predominantly used by theAwami League and its supporters as asynonym for "traitor." It was used to describe individuals who supported Pakistan or opposed theIndia's foreign policies on Bangladesh.[6]
In 2024, the term resurfaced when it was used againstprotesters opposing thequota system. During the broaderJuly Revolution in July 2024, many of these protesters adopted "Razakar slogans" to counter theHasina administration’s labeling of them as "Razakars".[7][8]
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