The National Citizen Party (NCP) has distanced itself from controversial slogans chanted during recent anti-fascist demonstrations, saying that none of its members participated in shouting party-based or such slogans.
The NCP made the statement through a press release issued by Joint Office Secretary Saleh Uddin Sifat on Monday.
The party said that although various political parties, ideological groups and members of the public participated spontaneously in the movement demanding the banning of the Awami League as a terrorist organization, the inclusion of provisions for party-based trials under the International Crimes Tribunal Act and the issuance of a “July proclamation,” one group deliberately raised slogans opposing the historical struggles of the Bangladeshi people.
The NCP clarified that none of its members participated in chanting such slogans.
It added that the responsibility for these controversial slogans lies solely with the group that voiced them and termed any attempt to associate the NCP with this unnecessary and inappropriate.
Instead, the party maintained that the slogans and speeches of its members reflected the country’s historic struggles of 1947, 1971, and 2024.
The NCP also noted that when objections were raised by a particular group during the singing of the national anthem at the protests, the demonstrators performed it resolutely, demonstrating a sense of national commitment.
The party asserted that political engagement in Bangladesh requires proper recognition of the key historical milestones of 1947, 1971 and 2024.
The NCP called on those who opposed the war of 1971 and who face allegations of aiding in genocide to clarify their political stance before the nation and to work towards strengthening national consensus and unity by supporting the public aspirations that emerged from the 2024 uprising.
It added that individuals who suffered repression under the fascist regime and played a role in the 2024 uprising must continue to act in a pro-Bangladesh spirit in building a new nation.
The party believes that any political group whose past ideologies contributed to division and discord has a duty to publicly clarify its position and help pave the way towards unity.
The NCP said defeating "Mujibism" in a comprehensive manner is only possible through greater unity among the people of Bangladesh.
It called on all parties to take farsighted decisions and behave responsibly for a better and prosperous future of the country’s citizens.
