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[🇧🇩] A New Political Party: National Citizen Party

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[🇧🇩] A New Political Party: National Citizen Party
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Saif

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Date of Event: Mar 1, 2025
Source : https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/politics/news/second-republic-new-constitution-youth-float-national-citizen-party-3836186 Short Summary: Monitoring the journey of national citizen party.
Second republic, new constitution: Youth float National Citizen Party
Nahid reads out National Citizen Party declaration

The National Citizen Party (NCP), a new political platform of the students who spearheaded the mass uprising last year, was officially launched today vowing to pursue the politics of national unity over division and materialise the vision for a second republic.

NCP convener Nahid Islam announced the vision for a second republic as the centrist party inaugurated at a rally on Manik Mia Avenue this evening.

Spearheaded by the Students Against Discrimination and initiated by the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, the party's declaration outlines a transformative political and economic roadmap for Bangladesh, which will begin with writing a new constitution.

In its official declaration, the party announced its mission to dismantle constitutional autocracy and adopt a new democratic constitution.

The cornerstone of this initiative is the formation of an elected constituent assembly, which will draft the new constitution to ensure democratic governance.

NCP's declaration emphasises that the July 2024 mass uprising was not merely about ousting a regime but rather about reshaping the entire political framework.

The party is committed to fostering a political culture where unity prevails over division, justice replaces vengeance, and merit triumphs over dynastic politics.

It also vows to eradicate corruption and nepotism, ensuring a fair and transparent governance system.

A significant aspect of NCP's vision is the inclusion of marginalised and disadvantaged communities.

The party asserts that in the second republic, the common people—and only the common people—will be the supreme source of power.

Protecting fundamental rights, preserving ethnic, social, gender, and cultural diversity, and ensuring strong safeguards against poverty, inequality, and abuse of power are fundamental to their vision.

The party has laid out a detailed framework for achieving its goals.

At the forefront is to rebuild broken political, social, economic, and cultural institutions to preserve their democratic nature.

Additionally, the party envisions a strong national defense system to safeguard the country's sovereignty and national interests.

The NCP prioritises the establishment of a self-sufficient, equitable, and sustainable economy through the integration of agriculture, services, and industrial production sectors.

The party pledges to prevent wealth concentration among the elite and ensure the equitable redistribution of resources.

Measures will be taken to regulate corporate syndicates and vested interests, safeguarding public and consumer rights.

To position Bangladesh as a strong regional power, the NCP plans to foster regional cooperation and international partnerships.

Additionally, the party aims to develop a modern, technology-driven economy that encourages innovation and scientific advancement.

The NCP strongly believes that the second republic is not an unattainable dream but a solemn commitment.

The party calls upon citizens to unite in this movement, saying that the struggle for democracy, justice, and equality must be relentless.

"We must eliminate all possibilities of restoring constitutional autocracy. Now is the time to dream anew, to march forward, and to build a new Bangladesh," reads the declaration.

The party urges people from all walks of life to take an oath to work towards the realisation of the second republic.

It envisions a nation where every citizen's voice is heard, where justice prevails, and where equality and human dignity are the foundation of the state.

The joint conveners of the party are Nusrat Tabassum, Monira Sharmin, Mahbub Alam, Sarwar Tushar, Advocate Mujahidul Islam Shahin, Tajnuva Zabin, Sultan Muhammad Zakaria, Dr. Atiq Mujahid, Ashraf Uddin Mahdi, Arpita Shyama Deba, Tanjil Mahmud, Anik Roy, Khaleda Saifullah, Javed Rasim, Ehtesham Haque, and Hasan Ali.

Meanwhile, the joint member secretaries are Abdullah Al Amin, Arif Sohail, Rashidul Islam Rifat, Mahin Sarkar, Mohammad Nizam Uddin, Akram Hossain, SM Saif Mustafiz, and Saleh Uddin Sifat (attached to the office cell),Alauddin Muhammad, Farid Uddin, Mohammad Farhad Alam Bhuiyan, Mohammad Miraj Mia, Lutfar Rahman, Mohammad Mainul Islam Tuhin, Mushfiqur Salehin, Dr. Zahidul Islam, Zahirul Islam Musa, Humayra Noor, Mushfiqur Rahman Juhan, Molla Mohammad Faruq Ehsan, Shagufta Bushra Bismah, Ahanaf Saeed Khan, Abu Saeed Mohammad Sujauddin, Mir Arshadul Haque, Faisal Mahmud Shant, Tarek Reza, Mashiur Rahman, Zainal Abedin Shishir, Mohammad Muntasir Rahman, Gazi Salauddin Tanvir, Tamim Ahmed, and Tahsin Riaz

Full text of NCP declaration

Against the backdrop of the July 2024 uprising of students and masses, under the leadership of the Students Against Discrimination and the initiative of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, we, the students and masses of Bangladesh, hereby declare—

We stand as the people of the Bengal delta, bearing a rich and distinct culture shaped over a thousand years of historical evolution. After nearly 200 years of British colonial rule, the state of Pakistan was established in 1947 following a long struggle. However, the general people of this land did not attain freedom from exploitation and discrimination. Consequently, after 23 years of struggle, the people of this land waged the great liberation war of 1971, sacrificing the lives of hundreds of thousands of martyrs to achieve an independent Bangladesh. Yet, even after independence, the people of Bangladesh have had to fight repeatedly for democracy. (In 1990, the students and the masses shed their blood to overthrow a military dictatorship.) However, even after more than five decades of independence, we have failed to establish a political settlement that ensures democracy, equality, human dignity, and social justice. Instead, over the past 15 years, the country has been subjected to a brutal fascist regime that recklessly weaponised state institutions to serve the ruling party's interests and destroyed democracy. Dissenting voices were silenced, and enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings became state policy, while widespread corruption and money laundering turned into a systemic culture.

In July 2024, through immense sacrifice, the students and the masses orchestrated an unprecedented uprising, toppling the fascist regime that had gripped the country for nearly a decade and a half. However, we must remember that this new freedom, won through the sacrifices of countless martyrs, was not simply to replace one government with another. Rather, the people rose in response to the aspiration of dismantling the entrenched fascist system and rebuilding the state on the foundation of people's rights. It is with this vision that we announce the formation of the National Citizen Party (NCP)—a democratic, justice-oriented, and truly representative political party.

We believe that the July 2024 Mass uprising has marked the beginning of our struggle to establish a second republic. To achieve this, we must eliminate all possibilities of restoring constitutional autocracy through the adoption of a new democratic constitution. One of our primary goals is to draft a new constitution through an elected constituent assembly. Our second republic will ensure a strong national defense system to protect the nation's interests. Rebuilding broken political, social, economic, and cultural institutions and preserving their democratic nature will be our political priority. Only through these efforts can we emerge as a fully democratic state.

We strive to cultivate a political culture where unity prevails over division, justice replaces vengeance, and merit and competence triumph over dynastic politics at all levels of society and the state. There will be no place for corruption and nepotism in our politics.

In our second republic, the voices of the marginalised and disadvantaged communities will be brought into the mainstream. In our republic, the common people—and only the common people—will be the supreme source of power. The robust protection of all their democratic and fundamental rights will be the core principle of our politics. (We aim to build a pluralistic and prosperous society by preserving the nation's ethnic, social, gender, religious, and cultural values and diversity.) Our republic will ensure strong protections against poverty, inequality, and the abuse of power. No segment of Bangladesh's population will be excluded or criminalised in our second republic. Instead, every citizen will be given equal importance, and their safety and security will be guaranteed.

Economically, we aim to establish a self-sufficient, equitable, and sustainable national economy through the proper integration of agriculture, services, and production sectors. (Our economy will be sensitive to life, nature, and the environment.) Wealth will not be concentrated in the hands of a select few; instead, the equitable redistribution of resources will be the core principle of our economic policies. We will take firm steps to regulate corporate syndicates and vested interests, safeguarding consumer and public welfare. We will position Bangladesh as a strong regional power through economic advancement, fostering regional cooperation and international partnerships. We will build a modern and sustainable economy prioritising science and technology and fostering an innovation-driven culture.

Finally, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to establishing a just and equal society. We strongly believe that the July 2024 mass uprising was not just a victory against a fascist regime but also a pledge to shape our future. Let us unite, hand in hand, to build a Bangladesh where every citizen's voice is heard—where the struggle for justice and human rights will be at the heart of politics—where equality and human dignity will form the foundation of the state.

Now is the time to dream anew, to march forward, and build a new Bangladesh!

Therefore, let us all take an oath from our respective position. Let us unite and move forward with unwavering determination in our struggle to establish the second republic.

Our country, our rights, our future—the second republic is not an unattainable dream. It is our solemn commitment!​
 

No room for pro-India or pro-Pakistan politics in Bangladesh: Nahid
National Citizen Party chief said Bangladesh and the interests of its people should be the priority

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Photo: AFP

Nahid Islam, the convenor of the newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP), has said Bangladesh will never be divided again and that there will be no place for pro-India or pro-Pakistan politics in the country.

"There will be no room for pro-India or pro-Pakistan politics in Bangladesh. We all will build politics and the state unitedly, keeping Bangladesh and the interests of its people in mind," he said while speaking at the launch event of the new party on Manik Mia Avenue on Friday evening.

The NCP convener said the conspiracy to weaken the people of Bangladesh and the state by divisive politics was foiled through the unity of all during the July mass uprising.

"From this stage today, we vow that Bangladesh will never be divided again," added Nahid.

Nahid said one of the primary goals of the party is to formulate a new constitution through a 'constituent assembly' election to establish the 'second republic' in Bangladesh.

"We must eliminate all possibilities of reestablishing constitutional dictatorship by formulating a new democratic constitution. One of our primary goals is to formulate a new constitution through the election of a constituent assembly to establish our second republic," he said.

He said Jatiya Nagorik Party will be a democratic, egalitarian and people-representing political party.

"We believe that the July 2024 student-people uprising has initiated the struggle to establish our second republic," the NCP chief said.​
 

What does a second republic mean?

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Photo: Rashed Sumon

In its first statement to the people, the National Citizen Party clearly declared a vision for a second republic in Bangladesh. Speaking at the party's inauguration, Nahid Islam, the top leader of the party read out the declaration which outlines the ideals and principles of his centrist party. But what is this second republic?

Second republic signifies transformation of the political system through democratic means, rewriting or reform of constitution and political institutions following a revolution or mass uprising.

The term "second republic" has been used in various countries to refer to a specific period in their political history, usually marking a transition from one form of political system or government to another, said political analysts, in their instant reaction regarding the new political party's call.

The new party led by July uprising leaders also envisions a constituent assembly.

A professor of government and politics at Jahangirnagar University, Al Masud Hasanuzzaman, said the second republic indicates a revolution and the transformation of the political system through democratic means.

"It speaks of correcting the failures of the first republic through reformation and a new constitution, indicating a change in the political system and the entire political settlement," he said.

Dhaka University political science teacher Sabbir Ahmed said the leaders of the new party perceive that although the people had established ownership of the state through the independence of 1971, they had lost it afterwards.

"The people regained their ownership through the mass uprising of 2024, and therefore they now want to declare a second republic," he said attempting to explain the new party's vision.

"The second republic brings about fundamental changes in the state, the political system, and institutions. The constitution can be rewritten or formed anew and political institutions can be reconstituted or reformed as well," he added.

Asked about constituent assembly, Al Masud Hasanuzzaman explained that it is elected for the sole purpose of writing a new constitution.

Two 'second republics'

The first French republic (1848–1852) after the French Revolution had given way to monarchy. The second French republic was established through the revolution of 1848 toppling the monarchy of King Louis-Philippe.

The liberal hopes of establishing an enduring democratic regime were soon frustrated. In 1848 Louis-Napoléon (a nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte) was elected president with a monarchist majority in the legislative assembly. This led to the enactment of conservative measures restricting voting rights and freedom of the press, giving the church increased control over education. Soon realizing that his power and future reelection were limited by the assembly's actions, Louis-Napoléon organized a coup d'état in 1851. Following a new constitution that reduced the assembly's power, and a plebiscite, Louis-Napoléon declared himself emperor Napoléon III in 1852 Louis-Napoléon, and thus the second empire was born.

France has so far had five republics with the last one founded in 1958.

Second Republic of Spain (1931–1939) emerged as King Alfonso XIII was forced to leave Spain after municipal elections showed massive support for republicanism. It led to the introduction of secular reforms, including separation of church and state. The Spanish Civil War (1936–1939) led to collapse of Second republic and Francisco Franco established a dictatorship that lasted until 1975.​
 

The 'Super 10' of the National Citizen Party

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The top 10 leadership positions—dubbed the "Super Ten"—of the youth-led National Citizen Party have been finalised.

The official announcement of the party's formation will be made this afternoon, from a rally on Manik Mia Avenue, in front of the National Parliament Building in Dhaka.

'Super Ten'

Several founding members have referred to the party's top 10 positions as the "Super Ten."

Md Nahid Islam has been appointed as the convener of the new political party, while Akhter Hossen will fill the post of member secretary serving as Nahid's number two.

Nahid Islam resigned from the advisory council of the interim government on Tuesday, to take on his new role.

Akhter Hossen has been serving as member secretary of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, which is the civic platform of the July uprising leaders.

The senior joint convener position will be filled by Samanta Shermeen and Ariful Islam Adib, while the senior joint member secretary position will go to Tasnim Zara and Nahida Sarwar (Niva).

Additionally, Nasiruddin Patwari has been appointed as the chief coordinator, while Abdul Hannan Masud will serve as the joint coordinator.

Hasnat Abdullah has been designated as the chief organiser (Southern Region), while Sarjis Alam has been assigned the role of chief organiser (Northern Region).

Nahid Islam, NCP convener

Nahid Islam, convener of the new party, was a key organiser of the student movement that toppled Sheikh Hasina.

A sociology graduate from Dhaka University, Nahid was one of the student representatives within the interim government. He resigned from the advisory council last Tuesday.

He became member secretary of Ganotantrik Chhatra Shakti on October 3, 2023, which was a breakaway faction of Chhatra Odhikar Parishad led by Nurul Haque Nur.

Chhatra Shakti was dissolved on September 14, a week after Nagorik Committee was formed.

At the height of the protests in July, he was picked up by law enforcers and tortured until he lost consciousness. He was returned within a couple of days only to be picked up again when the protests gained even more momentum, this time along with five other fellow protesters, and detained at the detective bureau headquarters.

In 2018, Nahid participated in the quota-reform protests that shook the nation. At the time, he received threats from the university administration and teachers.

In 2019, he ran for the post of cultural secretary at Dhaka University Central Students' Union from Nurul-Rashed-Faruk panel under the banner of Bangladesh Sadharon Chhatra Odhikar Songrokkhon Parishad.

He lost the election and later separated himself from the platform.

He was admitted to DU in 2016.

Akhter Hossen, NCP member secretary

Member secretary of the National Citizen Party, Akhter Hossen is the former social service secretary of the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (Ducsu).

He is also one of the key organizers of the Students Against Discrimination, the movement that toppled the Sheikha Hasina regime.

An alumnus of Dhaka University's law department, Akhter's came under the spotlight when he observed a hunger strike all by himself protesting against question leak of a Dhaka University admission test.

He was admitted to DU in 2015.

Later, in 2019, he contested the Ducsu polls from the panel of Bangladesh Sadharan Chhatra Odhikar Sangrakkhan Parishad, a platform that had led the 2018 quota reform movement. He contested for the social service secretary post and won.

Akhter later joined Chhatra Odhikar Parishad, a student body of Nurul Haq Nur's Gono Odhikar Parishad and became president of the student organisation's DU unit.

In 2023, Akhter floated the Ganotantrik Chhatra Shakti, breaking away from Chhatra Odhikar Parisahd on October 3, 2023 in which he was the convener.

Akhter Hossen was arrested at the base of the Raju Memorial Sculpture around 3:00 PM during on 17 July 2024 just when the quota protest was heating up.​
 

Parties welcome NCP launch
Some congratulate, some apprehensive

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"I hope the NCP will become a genuine political platform for the masses and that people will see it as nothing more than that."


— - Ruhul Kabir Rizvi BNP Senior Joint Secretary General

Several political parties, including BNP, Jatiya Party, the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Ganosamhati Andolon, and Islami Andolon Bangladesh, have welcomed the newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP), saying it has the potential to bring a shift in the country's political landscape.

Jatiya Party, however, claimed the new party had the "blessings of the interim government", while CPB warned that if any government affiliation was found within the NCP, the people would not accept it, which would be detrimental to its success.

Speaking to reporters at the capital's Manik Mia Avenue, where the NCP was formally launched, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi hoped the party would bring change and a new political dynamic to Bangladesh, offering a fresh perspective to the people.

"I hope the NCP will become a genuine political platform for the masses and that people will see it as nothing more than that."

Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader said the formation of this new party would strengthen the country's multi-party democracy.

However, he alleged the NCP is receiving preferential treatment from the interim government and enjoying various advantages, adding that some members of the government are affiliated with the party. He refrained from naming anyone.

"If any evidence of government affiliations comes up, the people will not accept them [NCP], and it will not be beneficial for the party either."— - Ruhin Hossain Prince CPB General Secretary.

Quader also questioned whether the upcoming parliamentary election, set to be held under the interim government, would be free and fair, given the government's apparent support for the NCP.

Meanwhile, CPB General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince told The Daily Star his party welcomes any initiative that involves those who participated in the July uprising, upholds the spirit of the Liberation War, believes in democracy and secularism, and opposes discrimination.

"This party is now the talk of the country, which is natural. There're speculations that it was formed with 'the blessings of the interim government'. If any evidence of such affiliations comes up, the people will not accept them [NCP], and it will not be beneficial for the party either."

Regarding the NCP's declaration of a "second republic" or "new independence", Prince said, "They need to clarify what they mean by second republic because our independence came only through our great Liberation War. If this concept [of a new independence] seeks to undermine the Liberation War, then they don't truly recognise it [the 1971 war], regardless of what they claim publicly."

He further noted that while the NCP envisions equitable wealth distribution, it would not be able to achieve this goal if it continues to uphold a free-market economy. However, he said this was just his initial reaction. "My party will have further discussions [regarding the new party] internally."

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar told this newspaper that welcoming new political parties is the beauty of democracy.

"The formation of the NCP will play a positive role in advancing the country," he said, expressing hope that his party would engage with the NCP with mutual understanding.

Regarding the government's alleged support for the NCP, he said there was no clear evidence of such an affiliation so far.

Islami Andolon Bangladesh Secretary General Principal Hafiz Maulana Yunus Ahmad also congratulated the newly formed NCP, emphasising that a multi-party system is essential for democratic politics.

He said Bangladesh had developed a two-party system instead of a multi-party one, which had led to various political challenges in the country.

"The emergence of a new political party could serve as an alternative solution to this problem…. The formation of this youth-led political party brings hope to the nation."

Also congratulating the NCP, Zonayed Saki, chief coordinator of the Ganosamhati Andolon, hoped the party, which was formed by the masses, would remain deeply connected to the people.

"If the party has clear goals and is committed to recognising the struggles of the masses, it will be able to win over the people of the country."​
 

Akhter Hossen
NCP MEMBER SECRETARY

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Akhter Hossen, a law graduate from Dhaka University, was one of the key organisers of the anti-discrimination student movement, which toppled the Sheikha Hasina regime.

He came under the spotlight when he went on a hunger strike all by himself on October 16, 2018, protesting the question leak of a Dhaka University admission test.

In 2019, he contested the Ducsu polls from the panel of Bangladesh Sadharan Chhatra Odhikar Sangrakkhan Parishad, a platform that had led the 2018 quota reform movement. He contested for the social service secretary post and won.

Akhter later joined Chhatra Odhikar Parishad, a student body of Nurul Haq Nur's Gono Odhikar Parishad, and became president of the student organisation's DU unit.

In 2023, Akhter floated the Ganotantrik Chhatra Shakti, breaking away from Chhatra Odhikar Parisahd on October 3, 2023, in which he was the convener.

Akhter was arrested from the base of the Raju Memorial Sculpture on the Dhaka University campus around 3:00pm on July 17, 2024, just when the quota protest was heating up.

He was admitted to Dhaka University in 2015.​
 

From movement to mainstream politics
Uprising activists launch Jatiya Nagorik Party today; 8 confirmed for top posts

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From left- Nahid Islam and Akhter Hossain

Nearly seven months after ousting Sheikh Hasina, the activists of the July uprising are all set to launch a party of their own today, aiming to emerge as a formidable political force against all forms of discriminations.

Styled the Jatiya Nagorik Party in Bangla, it will be unveiled at a rally on the capital's Manik Mia Avenue. The event, slated to begin at 3:00pm, is being organised by the Students Against Discrimination and its platform for citizens, the Jatiya Nagorik Committee.

The Nagorik Committee confirmed the party's name on its Facebook page, stating that it would be translated into English as National Citizen Party with the abbreviation NCP.

The leadership lineup has also been finalised with Nahid Islam as the convener and Akhter Hossen as the member secretary. Four other key positions have been finalised, paving the way for the party's formal entry into the political landscape.

Nahid, who was instrumental in the student-led uprising, resigned from Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus's council of advisers on Tuesday to join politics.

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Akhter, former social services secretary of Dhaka University Central Students' Union (Ducsu), is the member secretary of the Nagorik Committee.

Akhter and Nahid were convener and member secretary respectively of Gonotantrik Chhatra Shakti, a platform launched on October 4, 2023, and dissolved on September 14 last year, two months after the uprising.

Additionally, Nasiruddin Patwary, convener of the Nagorik Committee, will hold the chief coordinator's post in the new party while Hasnat Abdullah will be designated as the chief organiser (south) and Sarjis Alam as chief organiser (north).

Hasnat is the convener of SAD and Sarjis is the chief organiser of the Nagorik Committee.

At least three Nagorik Committee leaders involved in the formation of the party confirmed the key leadership positions to The Daily Star.

Samanta Shermeen, spokesperson for the Nagorik Committee, is almost certain to become senior joint convener of the new party.

Also, Abdul Hannan Masud, chief organiser of SAD, will be named joint coordinator of NCP.

Saleh Udddin Sifat, a co-spokesperson for the Nagorik Committee, is nearly confirmed as NCP's office secretary.

These decisions were made during a joint meeting of the Nagorik Committee and SAD at the former's central office in the capital's Bangla Motor yesterday afternoon.

According to meeting sources, the position of senior joint member secretary was not finalised as multiple contenders were being considered.

The names of Nagorik Committee members Nahida Sarwer Niva, Monira Sharmin and Dr Tasnim Zara; and SAD executive committee member Nusrat Tabassum are being discussed.

The central convening committee is likely to be a 151-member body divided equally between the Nagorik Committee and SAD.

Former Islami Chhatra Shibir leaders in the Nagorik Committee withdrew from the initiative to form the party amid a discord over leadership positions.

Sources in the Nagorik Committee said the top leadership of the party will be announced at the launch while the full-fledged committee is likely to be announced through a press release later.

Both SAD and the Nagorik Committee will remain active after the launch of the party. The two platforms will continue to operate from their existing offices at Rupayan Trade Center in Bangla Motor.

NCP will have a separate office at a different location.

PREPARATIONS

The uprising activists are planning to hold a mammoth rally to mark the launch. Leaders of the two platforms said they are aiming for a massive turnout of 3 lakh people.

Yesterday, workers were preparing the stage on the road in front of the south gate of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.

Leaders and activists of all the units of SAD and the Nagorik Committee will attend the event.

Those from outside Dhaka have been asked to park their buses at the old Trade Fair ground in Agargaon.

Nagorik Committee insiders said leaders from various political parties, diplomats, families of the martyrs of the mass uprising, injured activists, and representatives of expatriates who played significant roles in the movement have been invited to the event.

Additionally, oppressed individuals from various classes and professions who contributed to the backdrop of the mass uprising, as well as students and the public who actively participated in the July 2024 movement, will also attend the ceremony.

The event will begin with recitations from the Holy Quran and other religious scriptures.

Representatives from the families of the July uprising martyrs and injured individuals will deliver speeches afterwards.

A documentary on the uprising will also be screened at the event.

In December last year, student leaders of the uprising announced their plan to form a new political party and contest the next general election.

Later, the BNP stated that it would not accept any attempt to form a political party while remaining in power. It urged advisers involved in the formation of the new party to resign from the cabinet if they intended to enter politics.​
 

New political party draws mixed reactions
Staff Correspondent 01 March, 2025, 00:00

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New Age photo

Three political parties and a student organisation on Friday gave mixed reactions to the formation of a new political party by leaders of the student-led July-August mass uprising that ousted the authoritarian Awami League regime.

The new party, Jatiya Nagorik Party (National Citizens’ Party in English), was launched through a public ceremony at Manik Miah Avenue in the capital Dhaka on Friday evening.

The Islami Andolan Bangladesh and the Bhashani Onusari Parishad, a partner of the Ganatantra Mancha, hailed the formation of the new party while the Socialist Party of Bangladesh and the Bangladesh Students’ Union, the student wing of the Communist Party of Bangladesh, opposed it saying that it would undermine the neutrality of the interim government headed by Professor Muhammad Yunus.

The Islami Andolan Bangladesh on Friday in a press statement welcomed the launch of the new political party.

IAB secretary general Yunus Ahmad in a press statement said that they believed in multiparty participation in politics of the country.

So they welcomed the political party launched by the youths, Yunus said.

The Bhashani Onusari Parishad also welcomed the formation of the new party.

While speaking at a programme in Bhatara area in Dhaka city on Friday, party convener Sheikh Rafiqul Islam Bablu welcomed the new party, saying that youths had played a prominent role in every mass movement in the country.

He hoped that the new party led by youths would also play a role in introducing democracy and good governance in the country, a press release said.

Leaders of the Socialist Party of Bangladesh at a protest rally at Purana Paltan crossing in Dhaka criticised the formation of a new political party led by former adviser to the interim government Nahid Islam.

They said that the neutrality of the interim government would be hampered by the launch of the party.

They also termed the party as a ‘king’s party.’

Socialist Party of Bangladesh general secretary Bazlur Rashid Firoz, central leaders Nikhil Das and Khalequzzam Lipon, among others, spoke at the rally, a press release said.

The Bangladesh Students’ Union in a statement said that the interim government had lost neutrality after the formation of the party.

BSU president Rageeb Nayeem and general secretary Rakibul Rony in the joint statement said that the student advisers who formed the political party from the government could no longer be part of the government as student representatives.

‘They are the representatives of a particular party,’ they said, demanding the replacement of the two representatives of students in the government as one had already resigned.​
 

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