Independence of 1971 and 2024 not contradictory: Nahid Islam on Mirza Abbas' comment

The independence of 1971 and 2024 are not contradictory, said National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam in response to BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas's comment that calling post-2024 events a "second independence" diminishes the significance of 1971.

"We believe that 1971 and 2024 are not separate events. Rather, the mass uprising of 2024 has revived the spirit of 1971," said Nahid while talking to journalists after placing wreaths at the National Memorial on the occasion of Independence Day today (26 March).

He also said, if an election is held without necessary reforms and without ensuring justice – merely to install a particular party in power – it will not be accepted.

He said, "What we aspired to achieve in 1971 remained unfulfilled over the past 54 years, allowing a fascist regime to grip Bangladesh for 15 years. That is why another mass uprising became necessary. The equality envisioned in 1971 is the same vision we uphold in 2024 – a society free of discrimination."

"Those who try to present these two moments as opposing forces have dishonest intentions and fail to grasp the true significance of the 2024 mass uprising and the victory of the students and the people," Nahid added.

He further stated, "The emergence of a new generation in this movement signals the dawn of a new era, yet some fail to comprehend its message."

Nahid Islam said attempts are being made to cling to the old constitution and outdated systems. He emphasised that the 2024 mass uprising, along with the struggles of 1971 and the 1947 independence movement, has created an opportunity to establish a free, sovereign, and dignified nation.

"We must ensure that the greed for power does not squander these possibilities," he said.

He further stated that on one hand, elections are being imposed while avoiding discussions on justice and reform, and on the other, various manoeuvres are underway to rehabilitate fascist forces.

"The National Citizen Party is determined to resist these attempts. We will move forward with the aspirations of the 2024 mass uprising," he affirmed.

Nahid said, "On this Independence Day, we solemnly remember those who sacrificed their lives in the great Liberation War. We gained an independent nation through the blood of millions of martyrs.

"The people of Bangladesh have shed blood and laid down their lives at various points in history – for independence, democracy, justice, and rights."

He emphasised that the struggle for freedom extends from the anti-colonial movement to the Liberation War and, in its continuity, the mass uprising of 2024.

Nahid Islam further stated, "For generations, we have fought for democracy, human dignity, and social justice. Even in 2024, we had to wage an anti-fascist movement and stage a mass uprising. Our goal is to establish a democratic system by reforming and reconstructing our governance framework to uphold true democracy."

"Justice must be ensured for all, so that people are not forced to take to the streets time and again," he said.

When asked whether the unity among political parties, which was seen before and after 5 August, had fractured, Nahid Islam said, "We believe that the foundation for national unity, which was established, still holds. However, different parties may now have diverging agendas. But if we truly wish to fulfil the aspirations of the 2024 mass uprising and protect the country's interests, our path remains the same."