The students’ group that spearheaded large-scale protests against Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has now transitioned into a full-fledged political party. This move was officially announced on Friday at a public rally, where the leaders of the former student movement declared that the new party would reject any influence from pro-India or pro-Pakistan factions, emphasizing a nationalist approach to governance and policy-making in Bangladesh.
Previously known as the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement or Students Against Discrimination (SAD), the organization has now rebranded itself as the “Jatiya Nagorik Party” (NCP), translated as the National Citizen Party. The official launch event took place at Manik Mia Avenue, a prominent location in central Dhaka near the country’s parliament. At the event, Nahid Islam, one of the key figures of the July- August 2024 protests, was appointed as the party’s convenor, signaling a continuation of the movement’s leadership into the political arena.
During the event, the student leaders presented a declaration outlining their vision for Bangladesh’s future, emphasizing their commitment to creating what they termed a “transformative political and economic roadmap” for the nation. The party also unveiled a comprehensive manifesto, which, according to its leaders, lays the foundation for a “second republic”—a phrase suggesting a fundamental shift in the nation’s governance structure and policies.
The inaugural gathering drew attention from various political representatives, as well as international dignitaries, including envoys from the Vatican and Pakistan. Their presence signified the event’s diplomatic and political significance, further positioning the NCP as a noteworthy entity in Bangladesh’s evolving political landscape.
The emergence of the NCP comes in the wake of a major political shift in Bangladesh. The student-led movement played a crucial role in mass protests that eventually led to the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after her 15-year tenure. The protests culminated on August 5, 2024, marking a turning point in the country’s political history. Three days after Hasina stepped down, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was appointed as the Chief Adviser of the interim government, taking charge of the nation’s transition.
The launch of the NCP was a highly symbolic event, reflecting both the party’s ideology and its inclusive vision for Bangladesh. The rally commenced with religious recitations from four major scriptures—the Quran, the Bhagavad Gita, the Bible, and the Tripitaka—symbolizing the party’s commitment to religious harmony. Following this, the national anthem was played, reinforcing a sense of patriotism and unity among the attendees. Additionally, a minute’s silence was observed in memory of those who lost their lives during the violent protests of July 2024.
During his speech at the rally, NCP’s convenor Nahid Islam reaffirmed the party’s stance on national sovereignty, stating, “There will be no room for pro-India and pro-Pakistan politics in Bangladesh. We will build a state that prioritizes the interests of Bangladesh and its people above all else.” His remarks underscored the party’s intent to establish an independent and self-sufficient political path, free from foreign influences.
Islam also addressed the party’s forward-looking approach, expressing a desire to shift away from the political entanglements of the past. “We want to talk about the future. We want to move beyond past divisions and focus on the possibilities that lie ahead for Bangladesh,” he said. His statements were echoed by Nusrat Tabassum, the former coordinator of SAD, who emphasized that the new party would be “solely Bangladesh-oriented and dedicated to the country’s progress.”
Another key speaker at the event was Arif Sohel, SAD’s former member secretary, who highlighted the party’s commitment to breaking traditional power structures in Bangladesh’s political system. Addressing the crowd, he remarked, “People will no longer accept governance by elite groups or political dynasties. The future leadership of Bangladesh will emerge from the working class—farmers, laborers, and the children of daily wage earners.” His statement reflected the party’s grassroots ideology, aiming to create a leadership that genuinely represents the majority of the population.
With the launch of the NCP, Bangladesh’s political landscape is set to witness a new dynamic force emerging from a youth-led movement that seeks to challenge existing power structures. The party’s leaders have pledged to remain committed to the aspirations of the people, advocating for social justice, economic reforms, and a governance model that truly serves the nation’s citizens. As the political transition continues, the NCP’s future trajectory will be closely watched, both domestically and internationally, as it positions itself as a key player in Bangladesh’s evolving democracy.