The students and young activists who led last year’s mass uprising in Bangladesh, resulting in the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, are now in the final stages of launching a new political party. The party is expected to be officially announced in the coming weeks.
The initiative is led by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and the National Citizens’ Committee (NCC)—both key groups in last year’s protests. Their goal is to establish a new political system in Bangladesh, moving away from the country’s long-standing two-party dominance.
Akhtar Hossain, NCC’s member-secretary, stated that the new party aims to build a centrist, people-focused movement. “The people of Bangladesh want a fresh political direction, and we intend to represent their aspirations,” he said.
The party plans to participate in the next general election, which is expected to take place either later this year or in early 2026.
Leaders of the movement emphasize that their goal is not just to change the ruling party but to transform the political system that enables state oppression.
Some of the key figures behind the new party include student leaders Nahid Islam, Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, and Mahfuj Alam, who were instrumental in last year’s protests. They are also members of the advisory council of the interim government led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.
While many support the rise of a youth-led political party, major parties like the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) remain skeptical. BNP leaders have accused state intelligence agencies of trying to form a "king’s party"—a term used in Bangladesh for parties created under government influence.
BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman stated that his party welcomes independent youth-led political initiatives but warned against forming a party with government backing.
However, NCC leaders deny any government influence and argue that the country needs a new political force to fill the existing vacuum.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s Constitutional Reform Commission has proposed lowering the minimum age for election candidates from 25 to 21 years and reserving 10% of party nominations for young people.
Professor Ali Riaz, head of the commission, explained that these changes reflect Bangladesh’s young demographics and could bring fresh ideas and perspectives into politics.
However, some opposition leaders, including those from the Communist Party of Bangladesh, have criticized the move, suspecting it may favor the new youth-led party.
Despite this, NCC spokesperson Samanta Sharmeen welcomed the proposal, stating that young people have historically played a vital role in Bangladesh’s political struggles and deserve more representation.
As Bangladesh moves toward its next election, the emergence of this new party could reshape the country's political landscape, offering an alternative to the long-standing rivalry between the Awami League and BNP.
Source: University World News
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