Bangladeshi Students Who Toppled Hasina Regime Form Political Party, Say No Room for ‘Pro-India, Pro-Pakistan’ Politics

The students’ group that led the protests against Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has launched itself as a political party, declaring there will be no room for pro-India and pro-Pakistan politics in the country.

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, also known as Students against Discrimination (SAD), transformed into the ‘Jatiya Nagorik Party’ or National Citizen Party (NCP) at a rally held at Manik Mia Avenue in central Dhaka near Parliament. Nahid Islam, 26, one of the key leaders of the July-August 2024 protests, was named as the party’s convenor.

*A Transformative Roadmap*

The student leaders issued a declaration outlining “a transformative political and economic roadmap for Bangladesh” and unveiled a manifesto laying the foundation for what they call a “second republic.” The inaugural event was attended by representatives of some political parties and envoys from the Vatican and Pakistan.

The student movement led a mass protest that resulted in the ouster of Hasina’s over 15 years of rule on August 5 last year. Three days later, Muhammad Yunus assumed charge as the Chief Adviser of the Interim government.

*Inaugural Rally*

The NCP’s inaugural rally began with recitations from the Quran, the Bhagwad Gita, the Bible, and the Tripitaka, followed by the national anthem. A minute of silence was observed in memory of those killed during the July uprising.

“There will be no room for pro-Indian and pro-Pakistani politics in Bangladesh. We will build the state keeping Bangladesh, the interest of the people of Bangladesh ahead,” said NCP’s convenor Nahid Islam, who resigned as the Information adviser from Yunus’ advisory council earlier this week.

*Future Vision*

“We want to talk about the future,” Islam said. “We want to move beyond the past and discuss the possibilities of Bangladesh.” The party aims to be “solely Bangladesh-oriented, dedicated to the country’s progress,” echoed SAD coordinator Nusrat Tabassum.

SAD member secretary Arif Sohel added, “People will no longer accept elite groups or dynastic loyalty. Instead, future leaders will emerge from the working class—farmers, labourers, and the children of daily wage earners.” The new political party will uphold this vision and fulfill the people’s aspirations.

*Leadership and Participation*

With Nahid Islam as convenor and Akhtar Hossain as member secretary, the party will be led by a group of 11 individuals. Family members of those who lost their lives during the July-August 2024 mass protests, leaders of different political parties (except Hasina’s Awami League and its allies), and representatives from the Vatican and Pakistan attended the NCP’s inauguration event.

*Declaration and Mission*

The NCP issued a declaration at the inaugural event, outlining “a transformative political and economic roadmap for Bangladesh, which will begin with writing a new constitution.” The party announced its mission “to dismantle constitutional autocracy and adopt a new democratic constitution”.

The declaration emphasized the need to establish a political settlement that ensures democracy, equality, human dignity, and social justice. It also highlighted the party’s vision for various sectors, including foreign policy and the economy.