The National Citizen Party (NCP) has called upon political forces who opposed Bangladesh's independence during the 1971 Liberation War and those accused of collaborating in genocide to clarify their stances to strengthen national reconciliation, reports BSS.
"Those who stood against the people during the 1971 war must explain their current stance and cooperate in implementing the public's aspirations of the 2024 July Uprising," the NCP said in a statement on Monday.
"When people from diverse political affiliations spontaneously joined the ongoing movement demanding the banning of Awami League as a "terrorist organisation", inclusion of party-based trials under the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Act and declaration of the July Proclamation — a particular group deliberately used slogans against Bangladesh's historical legacy," it said.
"We want them to explain their clear political position before the nation to strengthen national understanding and unity."
The party also distanced itself from controversial slogans raised during recent anti-fascist demonstrations, stressing no NCP member raised any party-specific slogans or chants opposing the historical struggles of Bangladesh's people.
The NCP said, "We state unequivocally that no member of the NCP raised any party slogans or slogans opposing the struggles and history of the people of this land in the recent movement.
"Therefore, the concerned party must bear the responsibility for the objectionable slogans that have raised questions in public opinion," it added.
"Associating NCP with this is completely unfounded and unwarranted," read the statement.
The NCP statement came amid recent political debates over the demand to ban the Awami League and add provisions for party-level trials in the International Crimes (Tribunal) Act.
The NCP emphasised that proper recognition of Bangladesh's historical struggles in 1947, 1971, and 2024 is a prerequisite for carrying out political activities in the country.
"We also observed that during the national anthem performance, although one faction objected, the demonstrators performed the national anthem with determination," reads the statement.
The party called for all sides to make far-sighted decisions and demonstrate responsible behaviour for the sake of Bangladesh's prosperous future, arguing that unity among the people is crucial to defeat "Mujibism" comprehensively.
"Those who were oppressed and persecuted during the past fascist era and played a role in the 2024 uprising for Bangladesh's democratic transition on behalf of Bangladesh's citizens must necessarily play a 'pro-Bangladesh' role in building a new Bangladesh," the statement said.
"NCP believes that if the politics of past division and disunity arise due to any political party or faction's previous political position or ideology, the concerned party or faction has the responsibility to explain their position before the people of Bangladesh and walk the path of national unity," it added.
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