PTI, Dhaka, February 28, 2025 : The student group that played a central role in the protests that led to the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government officially launched its political party on Friday, declaring its commitment to Bangladesh’s future without leaning towards pro-India or pro-Pakistan political alignments. The movement, originally known as the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement (SAD), transformed into the Jatiya Nagorik Party (National Citizen Party, NCP) during an event held at Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka, near the Parliament building. The rally was led by Nahid Islam, a key leader of the July-August 2024 uprising, who was appointed as the party’s convenor.
The NCP’s inaugural rally was a momentous occasion that attracted a diverse range of participants, including political party representatives and diplomats. The event commenced with a recitation from the Quran, the Bhagavad Gita, the Bible, and the Tripitaka, followed by the national anthem and a minute of silence to honor those who lost their lives during the July uprising.
In his speech, Nahid Islam emphasized the party’s dedication to building a Bangladesh that prioritizes the interests of its people, distancing itself from any foreign influence, especially in terms of politics. “There will be no room for pro-Indian or pro-Pakistani politics in Bangladesh. We will build the state, keeping the interests of the people of Bangladesh ahead,” he stated. Islam, who had resigned from his position as an Information Advisor in the interim government earlier in the week, called for a focus on the future rather than dwelling on past political conflicts.
The NCP’s vision, articulated by its leaders, aims to center the country’s progress around Bangladesh’s needs and aspirations. SAD coordinator Nusrat Tabassum echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the party would be “solely Bangladesh-oriented.”
At the rally, Arif Sohel, the member secretary of SAD, addressed the crowd by stressing the need for a shift away from elitist politics and dynastic loyalty. “People will no longer accept elite groups or dynastic loyalty. Instead, future leaders will emerge from the working class – farmers, laborers, and the children of daily wage earners,” he said.
Family members of those killed during the protests, along with leaders from various political groups, attended the event, though members of Hasina’s Awami League were notably absent. Among the notable attendees were two foreign diplomats: the Ambassador of the Vatican to Dhaka and the Political Counselor of the Pakistan High Commission, both of whom took front-row seats. The event was also graced by representatives from former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), including senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and joint secretary general Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anny. The event also saw participation from the Jamaat-e-Islami party and various Islamic and political groups from across the spectrum.
The NCP’s formation marks a significant shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape, signaling the rise of a new political force born from the country’s youth-led movement against long-standing political dynasties. With its emphasis on local needs, social justice, and a break from past alliances, the NCP seeks to offer a fresh political narrative for the people of Bangladesh.
