Dhaka: The student group that led the mass protests culminating in the ouster of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has transformed into a political party, pledging to eliminate “pro-India and pro-Pakistan” influences from the nation’s politics.
At a rally on Manik Mia Avenue near Parliament in Dhaka, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement (SAD) formally transitioned into the Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP), or National Citizen Party, with Nahid Islam, a key figure in the July-August 2024 protests, announced as its convenor.
The rally featured a recitation of texts from the Quran, the Bhagavad Gita, the Bible, and the Tripitaka, symbolising inclusivity, followed by the national anthem and a minute of silence for those killed during the uprising.
“There will be no space for pro-Indian or pro-Pakistani politics in Bangladesh. We will prioritize the interests of the Bangladeshi people above all else,” said Nahid Islam, who recently resigned from the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus to lead the new party.
“This is about the future of Bangladesh—moving beyond the past and exploring new possibilities.”
The NCP unveiled a declaration and manifesto proposing a “transformative political and economic roadmap” aimed at establishing a “second republic.”
Among its key promises is drafting a new constitution to dismantle what it calls “constitutional autocracy” and to uphold democracy, equality, and social justice.
Arif Sohel, another SAD leader, emphasized the party’s grassroots vision: “The era of elite dominance and dynastic politics is over. Future leaders will come from the working class—farmers, labourers, and wage earners.”
The NCP originates from the SAD’s leadership during the 2024 mass protests that toppled Hasina’s 15-year regime on August 5.
The movement paved the way for Muhammad Yunus to assume the role of Chief Adviser in an interim government tasked with overseeing elections.
Although Yunus did not attend the NCP’s launch, the interim government simultaneously released a gazette recognizing over 1,400 individuals injured during the protests as “July Warriors.”
The new party’s launch was attended by families of protest victims, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) representatives, and leaders from Jamaat-e-Islami, Islamic parties, and left-wing groups.
Two foreign diplomats—the Vatican ambassador and a representative from Pakistan’s High Commission—were also present.
Critics have accused the NCP of leveraging its proximity to the interim government to consolidate power ahead of December’s general elections.
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Yunus’ support for the student-led party has drawn skepticism, with the BNP questioning the interim administration’s neutrality.
Nahid Islam’s resignation from the advisory council came amid mounting pressure over these concerns.
The NCP’s charter acknowledges Bangladesh’s historic struggles—from colonial rule to independence in 1971—but critiques the last 15 years under what it describes as a “brutal fascist regime.”
The party aspires to redefine the nation’s governance, economic framework, and foreign policy, asserting, “Our country, our rights, our future—the second republic is not an unattainable dream. It is our solemn commitment.”
As the NCP charts its course, the political landscape in Bangladesh stands at a crossroads, with the party vowing to centre the nation’s interests and usher in a new era of governance.
