An ally when with you, a terrorist when not: Nahid

Opposition Chief Whip and National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam has criticised what he described as a persistent culture in Bangladesh's politics where groups are labelled differently depending on alliances, saying, "An ally when with you, a terrorist when not."

He made the remarks today (30 April) while addressing the continued political divide over the Liberation War, noting that such polarisation remains even after more than five decades of independence.

"Politics around pro- and anti-Liberation War positions has continued for the past 50 years. But why has this not been resolved?" he said.

"The BNP has engaged in politics with Jamaat for 29 years. Now everyone says—'an ally when with you, a terrorist when not'. It was the responsibility of the major political parties to resolve this," he added.

"We do not expect that, after 54–55 years of independence and following the July Uprising, the parliament will still be divided into pro- and anti-Liberation War camps," Nahid said.

He emphasised the need to resolve historical disputes to move forward, urging all political sides to act responsibly.

"To move ahead, we must resolve these historical debates. All sides must play a responsible role," he said. "The Liberation War is not a conspiracy of any country, but at the same time, the looting and fascism established in its name cannot be forgotten."

Calling the Liberation War the foundation of the nation, Nahid said it should not be subject to dispute.

"The Liberation War is our foundation; there is no scope for debate on that. The July mass uprising was a renewal of the spirit of the Liberation War," he said. "We should set aside these historical disputes and move forward. People can no longer be divided by invoking the Liberation War or by playing the pro- and anti-cards."