NCP distances itself from controversial slogans at rally for ban on AL

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has clarified its position amid criticism and controversy over certain slogans chanted during the movement to ban the Awami League, which many viewed as opposing Bangladesh’s historical struggles.

In a statement issued on Monday, the NCP said, “The parties responsible for the offensive slogans that have raised public concern must bear full responsibility for them.”

Without naming the Jamaat-e-Islami or its student affiliate the Islami Chhatra Shibir, the NCP stressed that recognising and honouring the pivotal moments in Bangladesh’s historical struggle in 1947, 1971, and 2024 is a “prerequisite for participating in politics” in the country.

“Those who opposed the people’s Liberation War in 1971 or are accused of aiding genocide must publicly clarify their current political stance, contribute to national reconciliation, and support the aspirations that led to the 2024 uprising,” the NCP said.

The NCP launched its sit-in protest on April 8 led by party leader Hasnat Abdullah, demanding justice for the crackdown on the 2024 Uprising and a ban on the Awami League.

The protest began in front of the State Guest House Jamuna, the chief advisor’s official residence, then moved to the Minto Road fountain, and finally settled in Shahbagh by April 9.

Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Chhatra Shibir, Islami Andolan, and other groups like Aam Bangladesh joined the programme alongside the NCP.

The movement concluded on April 10 when the interim government’s Advisory Council decided to ban the Awami League.

However, controversy erupted during the second day of the Shahbagh rally when slogans like “No place for Awami League in Ghulam Azam’s Bangladesh” and “No place for Awami League in Sayeedi’s Bangladesh” were chanted, videos of which went viral online.

Another incident that raised eyebrows occurred just before the movement's victory was declared. While NCP leaders began singing the national anthem, some youths shouted, “No national anthem”, and eventually disrupted the performance.

Amid these developments, Information Advisor Mahfuj Alam, without directly naming Jamaat, criticised their ideology on social media and urged reform.

“The question of 1971 must be resolved,” he wrote. “Those who aided war crimes must apologise. Anyone wishing to do politics in Bangladesh must abandon pro-Pakistan sentiment.”

Mahfuj’s remarks triggered backlash from some Jamaat leaders. Shah Mahfuzul Haque, Jamaat’s Shahbagh unit chief, accused him of violating his oath as an advisor by publicly criticising a political party. He also questioned whether Mahfuj was working for India’s intelligence agency RAW.

In its statement, the NCP distanced itself from the controversy, saying, “While a number of parties and individuals joined the anti-fascist protests, one group deliberately raised party-centric and historically offensive slogans, undermining efforts to renew national unity after July’s events.”

The party insisted that “no NCP member participated in such slogan-chanting”, and that the slogans and speeches by NCP members reflected the spirit of the people’s struggles in 1947, 1971, and 2024.

Regarding the national anthem incident, the NCP said, “Even though one group objected to the anthem, our activists stood firm and continued the performance.”

Addressing its allies in the protest, the NCP added, “Those who were persecuted under the fascist regime and contributed to the 2024 uprising must now take a pro-Bangladesh stance to help build a new democratic nation.”

Pointing at Jamaat-e-Islami, the NCP said, “If past ideologies or positions have caused political division or disunity, the concerned parties must now clarify their stance before the people and commit to the path of national unity.”

“We believe that only through broad unity among the people of Bangladesh can Mujibism be defeated in its entirety.”