2024 movement is a continuation of 1971: Nahid Islam

The National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam has described the 2024 anti-discrimination and democratic movement as a direct continuation of the 1971 Liberation War’s core values — equality, dignity, and justice.

In a statement published on his verified Facebook page on Friday (August 8), Nahid said the historic legacy of 1971 must be honoured as the foundation of the state, but it should no longer serve as the sole determinant of political legitimacy.

“The ideals of 1971 have been revived through the movement of 2024. A new generation has risen to defend those principles — not with vengeance, but through unity and democratic struggle,” he said.

He criticized what he termed an “India-centric narrative” imposed on 1971 through Mujibism, arguing it compromised Bangladesh’s sovereignty and national interests. According to Nahid, the 2024 uprising challenged that narrative and opened the path toward national unity against dictatorship and authoritarianism.

Referring to past political divisions centered around the Liberation War, Nahid stated, “There is no space for binary politics over 1971 anymore. Just as 1947 is respected historically but not used as a political tool, 1971 should remain a respected historical foundation — not a political weapon.”

He emphasized that the spirit of the July uprising was rooted in reconciliation, not retribution, and warned against politicizing the movement for personal or partisan gains.

“Turning 2024 into a tool of revenge distorts its core message. The real challenge is to build a democratic, inclusive future based on national consensus,” Nahid concluded.