[🇧🇩] Political ambition of anti-discrimination protesters

[Saif]

Date of Event: Oct 26, 2024

Source : https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/anti-discrimination-protesters-can-form-a-political-party-in-future-but-under-a-different-name-says-sarjis Short Summary: Monitoring the activities of anti discrimination protester's to form a political party.

Anti-discrimination protesters can form a political party in future, but under a different name, says Sarjis
bdnews24.com
Published :
Oct 25, 2024 17:05
Updated :
Oct 25, 2024 17:05

People involved in the Anti-discrimination Student Movement can form a political party in the future if they want to, but they should do so under a different name, says Sarjis Alam, one of the coordinators of the movement.

“People in the Anti-discrimination Student Movement have the democratic right to form a political party. However, it will create a divide among them if the party is formed at this time, right after the revolution,” he said.

“In future, a political party can be formed if they want to, but under a different name to the Anti-discrimination Student Movement,” he said at a meeting with students and the families of those killed and injured in the movement in Madaripur.

The coordinator warned everyone that many ‘fake coordinators’ had emerged in different districts of the country and urged them to remain alert.

“After Aug 5, many fake coordinators appeared like ‘chameleons.’ They were opportunistic then, remain that way, and will be like that in future as well,” Sarjis said.

”We need to identify them. Otherwise, they will tarnish our image using the identity of a coordinator.”

Sarjis said that ’16 years of oppression’ would not end in 16 months. The mass uprising has destroyed the nest of wrongdoings the Hasina government created, and now the opportunists were trying to create discord among the students, he said.

“Hence, we have to unite. Those students who took part in the movement should remain united. Otherwise, things will go wrong in the future.”

“We must remember that this has been built up for 16 years and only a few of their leaders have fled. It won’t take long for them to return,” Sarjis said.

He also said that any student thinking of becoming a ‘fascist’ in the future or trying to misuse power would be expelled and face legal action.​

 

[Saif]

Truck collides with car of Sarjis-Hasnat’s convoy

A car in a convoy of vehicles carrying leaders of the anti-discrimination student movement Sarjis Alam and Hasnat Abdullah was involved in a collision with a truck when the leaders were on their way back from Chattogram.

www.thedailystar.net

Truck collides with car of Sarjis-Hasnat’s convoy
Nobody hurt, trucker held

Photos: Collected

A car in a convoy of vehicles carrying leaders of the anti-discrimination student movement Sargis Alam and Hasnat Abdullah was involved in a collision with a truck when the leaders were on their way back from Chattogram.

The incident occurred last night in Hazipara area of Chunti union under Chattgram's Lohagara upazila.

Additional Superintendent of Police Md Rasel of the Detective Branch (DB) of Chattogram District Police confirmed the incident to The Daily Star.

"Hasnat and Sargis were not in the car and are safe," he said.

"A Cox's Bazar-bound truck hit a car in their convoy. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident, although the front of the car sustained damage. The truck driver has been arrested," he added.​

 

[Saif]

‘Zero tolerance’ against Awami League

Students against Discrimination held an urgent meeting on Monday night with leaders of 19 student organisations to resolve the ‘ongoing conflicts and clashes’

en.prothomalo.com

‘Zero tolerance’ against Awami League
Urgent meeting with leaders of 19 student organisations to resolve the ‘ongoing conflicts and clashes’
Staff Correspondent
Dhaka
Published: 27 Nov 2024, 09: 30

Students against Discrimination convener Hasnat Abdullah briefs media following a meeting with the leaders of 19 student organisations at Rupayan Trade Centre in Dhaka's Banglmotor intersection area early on 26 November 2024 Prothom Alo

‘National Students Solidarity Week’ will be observed for seven days from Tuesday. Under this programme message of unity and solidarity will be circulated to various institutions

Demand of confiscating the assets of those elected from AL in the last three national elections in the fastest time

Bangladesh Awami League is trying to make a comeback in different ways through conspiracy, Students Against Discrimination has stated.

The student body further said an anti-fascism unity is required now. As part of that, they held an urgent meeting with leaders of 19 student organisations on Monday night.

They reached a unanimous decision on four issues at this meeting. One of those four is “Zero tolerance to Awami League”. Another is to observe “National Student Solidarity Week” from today, Tuesday.

Leaders of 19 students organisations including Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Islami Chhatra Shibir, Chhatra Federation, Chhatra Odhikar Parishad, Islami Chhatra Andolan, and Biplobi Chhatra Parishad attended the meeting organised by the Students Against Discrimination to resolve the “ongoing conflicts and clashes”.

The meeting continued from 8:00 pm to 12:00 am on Monday night at the central office of Students Against Discrimination at Rupayan Trade Centre in the capital’s Banglamotor area.

Members of Students Against Discrimination executive council including convener Hasnat Abdullah, chief organiser Abdul Hannan Masud, and spokesperson Umama Fatema were present in the meeting.

Among other Chhatra Dal central organising secretary Amanullah Aman, Chhatra Shibir Dhaka University unit general secretary SM Farhad, Chhatra Federation central president Mashiur Rahman Khan and general secretary Saikat Arif, Chhatra Odhikar Parishad central president Bin Yamin Mollah, and Biplobi Chhatra Parishad leader Abdul Wahed participated in the discussion.

At the meeting, leaders of different student organisations presented their observations and proposals concerning the ongoing situation of the country.

Some of the student leaders also expressed their grievances over the issue of not being valued properly, stated sources from the meeting.

Following the meeting Students Against Discrimination convener Hasnat Abdullah said it has been decided in the meeting that all of them will be united on some basic issues. This includes “Zero tolerance to Awami League”. On the question of rehabilitating Awami League, every single anti-fascism student organisation will follow a “zero tolerance” policy.

Stating that it seems like a “season of movement” has been going on in the country, Hasnat Abdullah said that there’s a huge funding of Awami fascists here. In principle, everyone has agreed that the assets of those elected from the Awami League in the last three national elections should be confiscated as quickly as possible. The interim government has to take clear and visible steps in this regard.

While highlighting the third point of their consensus Hasnat Abdullah said that if the interim government thinks that they build a polished Bangladesh with the same Awami administration that strengthened fascism, it would be a wrong step for the government. The interim government in the fastest possible time has to polish the administrative structure by taking out the officials recruited on Awami League’s political recommendation.

Speaking on the fourth issue of their consensus, Hasnat Abdullah said that taking advantage of the scope of movement at different places including Dr Mahbubur Rahman Mollah College, Awami League affiliates, including Chhatra League, are joining in and creating conflicts. From that point of view, they have announced “National Students Solidarity Week” for the next seven days with the message unity like that from before 5 August.

As part of that the political parties and student organisations against fascism will be circulating a message of unity and solidarity to different institutions.

This programme has been taken to reaffirm organisational bonding by spreading the message that there is no alternative to be united against rehabilitation of Awami fascism. The National Students Solidarity Week will start from Tuesday, he said.

Mentioning that the discussion of unity will continue, Hasnat stated that in future there will be discussions on what will be the structure of student politics, and how can the young generation and the student organisations play a role in reforming the state.

Apart from that, there will also be discussions on various other issues including the formation of a student council to remain united, he added.

Addressing the school and college students in the end, Hasnat Abdullah said that there will be an attempt to create division in different ways and there will be attempts of dirty politics. A conspiracy of disrupting the harmony is being brewed. Millions are being spent on this from abroad.

However, the environment of the educational institutes, public properties and national unity should not be hampered so that the fascist powers do not get the chance of rehabilitation. He called for the students of schools and colleges to remain united.

In response to a question, Hasnat Abdullah said, “A notion has been created that only Awami League protects the minorities. But it is the Awami League who has taken away the rights of the minorities the most and tortured them the most in the history of the country.”

Prior to this meeting there was an urgent meeting of the central executive committee of Students against Discrimination Monday afternoon on the overall situation of the country. This meeting also emphasised on coordination of all the stakeholders alongside anti-fascism unity.​

 

[Saif]

Student leaders mugged on Dhaka-Ctg Highway

A car carrying eight student leaders of anti-discrimination student movement came under attack on the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway in Narayanganj's Sonargaon upazila

www.thedailystar.net

Student leaders mugged on Dhaka-Ctg Highway

Photo: Collected

A car carrying eight student leaders of anti-discrimination student movement came under attack on the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway in Narayanganj's Sonargaon upazila.

The attackers reportedly looted the phones and wallets of the passengers at the time.

The incident took place around 2:00am at Mograpara area of the upazila, when the student leaders were heading to Bandarban's Lama by a microbus to join an event, said police.

Kazi Wahed Murshed, officer-in-charge of Kanchpur Highway Police Station, said vehicles on the highway were moving at a slower pace as there was dense fog in the middle of the night.

At that time, a group of people wielding locally-made sharp weapons stopped the car ferrying the student leaders and broke the windows. Two of the passengers suffered minor injuries due to glass shards.

The attackers fled after looting their phones and wallets.

On information, police rushed to the spot and arranged security for the victims. When another vehicle arrived, some of the them left for Dhaka and while some for Bandarban, said the police officer.

"The nature of the attack suggests that it was a mugging attack. Sonargaon police are working to identify the criminals and arrest them."

However, Hasnat Abdullah, the convener of Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, in a Facebook post, termed the incident as an "attack" and demanded a fair investigation.

Umama Fatema, the spokesperson of the organisation, said that eight student leaders including Arif Sohel, member secretary of the organisation, were heading to Lama to join an event there.

Rupaiya Shreshta Tanchangya, a student leader who was a passenger of the car, said, "Some people carrying machetes and other sharp weapons stopped our car, held us hostage and looted our phones, wallets, and bags and left the scene."

Officer-in-Charge of Sonargaon Police Station Mohammad Abdul Bari said, "The car came under attack by a group of muggers. On information, our patrol team responded. We are looking into the matter with utmost importance. The muggers will be brought under the law soon."​

 

[Saif]

Students, Nagorik committee: We’ll form a political party within 2 months

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and Jatiya Nagorik Committee are planning to form a new political party within a month or two, said Nasiruddin Patwary, convener of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee.

www.thedailystar.net

Students, Nagorik committee: We’ll form a political party within 2 months
Committee convener says ‘no polls before trials of all AL miscreants’

From the left: Nasir Uddin Nasir, Abdul Hannan Masud, Mahir Shahriar Reza. Photos: Collected

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and Jatiya Nagorik Committee are planning to form a new political party within a month or two, said Nasiruddin Patwary, convener of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee.

"We are currently a political initiative, born out of the 2024 mass uprising, comprising forces that defeated Awami fascism and aim to rebuild Bangladesh," he told reporters after paying tributes at the National Mausoleum in Savar marking Victory Day yesterday.

Their vision is to present Bangladesh as a dreamland in South Asia and on the global stage.

"With this goal in mind, the Jatiya Nagorik Committee and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement will introduce a promising political party within the next month or two."

About elections taking place by the first half of 2026, Nasiruddin told reporters that the new party would never support holding the next general polls until "all the Awami League miscreants" are tried for their role in the civilian killing spree during the July-August uprising.

The country has a history of holding elections without trying the killers of peaceful anti-government protesters whenever a forcible regime change occurs, he said, while urging all to work towards ensuring justice against the AL.

"…Even after 1971, we have not yet been able to hold trials for those who stood against the people of Bangladesh in 1971. We have not yet seen justice for those killed in 1990. Taking lessons from 90 and 71, there will be no elections before the trial of 2024," he said.

He further said if there is an election before the trial of 2024, the 2,000 martyrs and millions injured will not get any justice.

"To this end, we call on all parties, factions, and groups to be active in the judicial process and fulfil the dream of Bangladeshis," he said.

Through the July-August uprising, the country also gained independence from Indian hegemony, Nasiruddin said, while cautioning the young generation to stay active against conspiracies being hatched by New Delhi and the AL.​

 

[Saif]

Students, Nagorik committee: We’ll form a political party within 2 months

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and Jatiya Nagorik Committee are planning to form a new political party within a month or two, said Nasiruddin Patwary, convener of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee.

www.thedailystar.net

Students, Nagorik committee: We’ll form a political party within 2 months
Committee convener says ‘no polls before trials of all AL miscreants’

From the left: Nasir Uddin Patwary, Abdul Hannan Masud, Mahir Shahriar Reza. Photos: Collected

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and Jatiya Nagorik Committee are planning to form a new political party within a month or two, said Nasiruddin Patwary, convener of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee.

"We are currently a political initiative, born out of the 2024 mass uprising, comprising forces that defeated Awami fascism and aim to rebuild Bangladesh," he told reporters after paying tributes at the National Mausoleum in Savar marking Victory Day yesterday.

Their vision is to present Bangladesh as a dreamland in South Asia and on the global stage.

"With this goal in mind, the Jatiya Nagorik Committee and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement will introduce a promising political party within the next month or two."

About elections taking place by the first half of 2026, Nasiruddin told reporters that the new party would never support holding the next general polls until "all the Awami League miscreants" are tried for their role in the civilian killing spree during the July-August uprising.

The country has a history of holding elections without trying the killers of peaceful anti-government protesters whenever a forcible regime change occurs, he said, while urging all to work towards ensuring justice against the AL.

"…Even after 1971, we have not yet been able to hold trials for those who stood against the people of Bangladesh in 1971. We have not yet seen justice for those killed in 1990. Taking lessons from 90 and 71, there will be no elections before the trial of 2024," he said.

He further said if there is an election before the trial of 2024, the 2,000 martyrs and millions injured will not get any justice.

"To this end, we call on all parties, factions, and groups to be active in the judicial process and fulfil the dream of Bangladeshis," he said.

Through the July-August uprising, the country also gained independence from Indian hegemony, Nasiruddin said, while cautioning the young generation to stay active against conspiracies being hatched by New Delhi and the AL.​

 

[Saif]

New political party with state patronage to ruin govt credibility: BNP

Bangladesh Nationalist Party senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said on Friday that the interim government’s credibility would be ruined if a new political party was formed under state patronage.

www.newagebd.net

New political party with state patronage to ruin govt credibility: BNP
Staff Correspondent 21 December, 2024, 00:45

Bangladesh Nationalist Party senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said on Friday that the interim government’s credibility would be ruined if a new political party was formed under state patronage.

Rizvi came up with the remark at a programme organised by ‘Amra BNP Paribar’, a pro-BNP organisation which provides supports to the people in distress, at Katashur at Mohammadpur in the capital Dhaka.

‘We have come across reports at newspapers that a new political party named Jatiya Nagorik Committee is going to be formed,’ he said.

‘We are stepping on the path of democracy, so, it is good news if the students who led the anti-discrimination movement are coming with the new political party, but it shouldn’t be a king’s party.’

Noting that everyone has rights to form a political party, he said that if the party was formed under state sponsorship, the government’s credibility would be ruined.

Participants in the democratic movement must respect the values of democracy, he added.

Rizvi also said that history would not forgive them (the interim government) if they made any mistakes. If the interim government fails, the country’s independence and sovereignty may be endangered, he said.

He said that the roadmap given by the interim government was a protracted one, and the people did not expect it.

Mentioning that the BNP had never backed down on the movement and struggles in the past, Rizvi also said that the BNP had a glorious contribution in 1971, November 7, 1975, and mass uprisings in 1990 and 2024.

BNP chairperson’s advisory council member Zainul Abedin Farroque on Friday urged the chief adviser to announce a clear date and a roadmap for the national election, without making any delays in the process using the execution of reforms as a pretext.

‘We will listen to what the chief adviser says. Please, specify the roadmap and election date,’ he said while addressing a discussion arranged by the Bangladesh Chalak Dal at the Jatiya Press Club in the capital Dhaka.

He also said that the people of the country did not want the interim government to delay the transfer of power to the elected representatives or the election in the name of reforms.

‘No matter who says what, the people’s representatives will decide what will be fully reformed and what will not,’ he said.

Farroque said that if the government announced the election date, it would bring relief to the people and restore their confidence that democracy and the rule of law would be re-established through a fair election.

He called upon the government to take necessary steps to prevent the manipulation of the market by the Awami League’s ‘ghosts’ during Ramadan, the fasting month for the Muslims.

The BNP leader alleged that the Awami League was plotting to destabilise the country by carrying out attacks on members of the Hindu community.

He said that deposed autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina must face trial in Bangladesh and be held accountable for her misdeeds, including killings and repression.​

 

[Saif]

Delhi lodges protest with Dhaka over Mahfuj Alam’s comments

India has lodged a strong protest with Bangladesh over certain controversial comments by key aide of Bangladesh's interim government Mahfuj Alam, the Press Trust of India, or PTI, reports. In a now-deleted Facebook post, Alam said on December 4 that India should recognise the uprising that forced

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Delhi lodges protest with Dhaka over Mahfuj Alam’s comments
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Dec 20, 2024 19:21
Updated :
Dec 20, 2024 19:33

India has lodged a strong protest with Bangladesh over certain controversial comments by key aide of Bangladesh's interim government Mahfuj Alam, the Press Trust of India, or PTI, reports.

In a now-deleted Facebook post, Alam said on December 4 that India should recognise the uprising that forced the then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign, according to the report.

"We have registered our strong protest on this issue with the Bangladesh side. We understand that the post being referred to has reportedly been taken down," India’s external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal was quoted as saying at a media briefing on Friday.

"We would like to remind all concerned to be mindful of their public comments," the PTI quoted him as saying.

"While India has repeatedly signalled interest in fostering relations with the people and the interim government of Bangladesh, such comments underline the need for responsibility in public articulation," Jaiswal was also quoted to have said.​

 

[Saif]

Some parties were indecisive till 30 July about joining movement: Sarjis Alam

The July Shaheed Smrity Foundation hosted the programme in Khulna, to hand over Tk 500,000 to each of 58 martyrs in the Khulna division.

en.prothomalo.com

Some parties were indecisive till 30 July about joining movement: Sarjis Alam
Staff Correspondent
Khulna
Published: 20 Dec 2024, 21: 03

Families of the movement victims in Khulna receive financial support from the July Smriti Foundation.Prothom Alo

Sarjis Alam, the chief organiser of the Jatiya Nagarik Committee and also general secretary of the July Shaheed Smrity Foundation, has lambasted some political parties, without naming any, for their ‘hesitation’ until 30 July about joining the students' movement against the Sheikh Hasina regime.

“Until 20, 25, and even 30 July, many political parties said that they could not take any decision whether they should support the ouster of fascist Hasina, or whether they should join the movement,” he said at a programme in Khulna on Friday.

The July Shaheed Smrity Foundation hosted the programme at Shilpakala Academy auditorium in Khulna, to hand over Tk 500,000 to each of 58 martyrs in the Khulna division.

While addressing the programme, Sarjis Alam noted that some political parties, who were indecisive during the movement, are now talking big.

“If they now boastfully claim that they were on the frontline during the uprising and that we (the anti-discrimination student movement) were just participants, I just request them to recall their position throughout the month of July,” he said.

Addressing the family members of the movement victims, Sarjis vowed to remain unbiased and non-alienated to any group in the coming days.

“We will not spare anyone. At the same time, we will monitor if the propaganda cells affiliated with different groups attempt to misinterpret different issues and practice evil politics,” he added.​

 

[Saif]

Anti-Discrimination Student Movement: Leaders mull new party early next year

Some leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, who were at the forefront of the July-August student-people uprising that ousted the Awami League regime, are likely to launch a new...

www.newagebd.net

Anti-Discrimination Student Movement: Leaders mull new party early next year
Moinul Haque 22 December, 2024, 00:31

Some leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, who were at the forefront of the July-August student-people uprising that ousted the Awami League regime, are likely to launch a new party by the first quarter of the next year.

They are now busy preparing the party manifesto and programmes which they said would be centrist in nature.

The organisers said that the new political party would be youth-oriented, with its primary focus on establishing social democracy as a means to eliminate all forms of discrimination.

The manifesto would prioritise the values of the people and the heritage of the land, with a strong commitment to preventing any Islamophobic activities in the country, they said.

‘The initiative to form a political party aims to realise the vision of a Bangladesh dreamed of by countless individuals who took part in the mass uprising and those who made supreme sacrifices in the movement,’ Jatiya Nagorik Committee convener Nasiruddin Patwary told New Age on Friday.

Nasiruddin, a key leader of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, a social platform of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, said that the people wanted to see a political party within a short time that would really act to protect the interest of Bangladesh and its people against the existing old political settlement in the country.

‘The political party will be formed by students with support from the Jatiya Nagorik Committee. We aim to complete our preparations within two months, and the announcement will be made at a time when the people are ready and eager for it,’ he said.

The party’s declaration would embody a synthesis of the principles of the Proclamation of Independence—equality, human dignity and social justice—and the aspirations of the 2024 uprising, he added.

Nasiruddin emphasised the need for a political party to fulfil the aspirations of the 2024 mass uprising, saying that students and youth did not benefit from previous uprisings, including that of 1990, with their achievements instead being taken over by the two dominant political parties.

Denying the allegation of forming a party under the patronage of the interim government and the state, Jatiya Nagorik Committee spokesperson Samanta Sharmin said that the accusation was merely an attempt to discredit the initiative of the students.

She said that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party was probably thinking of the initiative of students as a threat to them.

The new political party would be centrist—neither religious nor socialist—and would welcome people of all ideologies, she said.

‘We are working on the party literature and it will be finalised shortly,’ Samanta added.

‘We are young, and while we may have some flaws in the process of party formation, people must recognise that the youths and students, who have always sacrificed their lives in democratic movements throughout history but have never been properly acknowledged, are now coming together to form a party,’ she said.

Recently, the BNP alleged that efforts were underway to form a ‘king’s party’ under state patronage.

In several districts across the country, leaders and activists of the BNP and its affiliated bodies allegedly attacked members of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee and foiled some of their programmes.

On the issue, Nasiruddin said that they were not against the BNP, rather many of the young leadership and activists of the party remained aligned with a new political settlement.

He said that the BNP leaders, who wanted to maintain the old political settlement while disregarding the aspirations of the martyred in the July-August uprising, saw the students’ initiative to form a new political party as a threat to them.

Asked whether the coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, who joined the government, would join the political party, Nasiruddin said that they would have no opportunity to do so while remaining in the government.

Jatiya Nagorik Committee co-convener Sarwar Tusher said that the reflection of the mass uprising and the power of youth would be evident in the name of the new political party though the name was yet to be finalised.

He said that elections without ensuring qualitative change of institutions through reforms would bring no positive result for the people.

‘People want reforms, while the BNP only seeks elections,’ he mentioned.

Tusher also said that not only the BNP, all the political parties, who ruled the people as dictators, were now united against the new political settlement and the aspiration of the people.

Following the mass uprising, the Jatiya Nagorik Committee was formed on September 8 and sought to unite diverse groups in Bangladesh to establish a new political settlement for a democratic society.

It has so far formed some 100 thana and upazila committees across the country.

According to sources, after forming 400 thana and upazila committees, the Jatiya Nagorik Committee and Anti-Discrimination Student Movement would announce the new political party.​

 

[Saif]

BNP factional clash leaves 10 injured in Munshiganj

At least 10 people were injured in a clash between two factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) over supremacy in Munshiganj Sadar upazila on Saturday. Five of the injured sustained bullet wounds, said Sajib Dey, Inspector (Investigations) of Munshiganj Police Station, reports UNB. The

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Interim govt-backed party can’t mislead people, says Dr Zahid
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Dec 21, 2024 22:12
Updated :
Dec 21, 2024 22:12

BNP senior leader Dr AZM Zahid Hossain on Saturday said it will not be possible to mislead people by forming a political party with the interim government’s backing.

“Everyone has the right to form a political party, and we welcome any such move. But people can’t be misled by forming a political party under the patronage of the government,” he said while distributing warm clothes in Birampur Upazila, reports UNB.

Zahid, a BNP Standing Committee member, said many puppet parties have been formed in the past, but people did not accept them.

He said the government cannot assist a political party showing its biased attitude. “If the government has to cooperate, then all political parties have the right to get its cooperation. “

Stating that various plots are on against the nation, the BNP leader said the country’s problems will not be resolved until an elected government comes to power.

He urged the government to announce a specific election date to handover the power to the elected representatives to save the country and secure its independence and sovereignty.

Describing the BNP as a pro-people party, he said it has always stood by the public to assuage their sufferings. “BNP still remains beside the country’s people. BNP always works for the welfare of people. BNP never runs away leaving people in trouble.”

Zahid said their party prepared a 31-point state overhauling proposal to build a new Bangladesh with the support of the country’s people.

As per the directives of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Zahid distributed warm clothes and blankets among the destitute in four upazilas--Hakimpur, Ghoraghat, Nawabganj and Birampur in the district.​

 

[Saif]

Nagorik Committee denies reports of forming party named ‘Jonoshokti’

The Jatiya Nagorik Committee on Saturday denied reports of forming a political party called ‘Jonoshokti’ under its initiative or through the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. “No discussions or decisions have been made about such a party or initiative,” spokespers

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Nagorik Committee denies reports of forming party named ‘Jonoshokti’
REUTERS
Published :
Dec 21, 2024 22:09
Updated :
Dec 21, 2024 22:09

The Jatiya Nagorik Committee on Saturday denied reports of forming a political party called ‘Jonoshokti’ under its initiative or through the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.

“No discussions or decisions have been made about such a party or initiative,” spokesperson Samanta Sharmin said in a statement.

The clarification followed reports on media and social media claiming that the new party would be floated by February next year.

Sharmin urged the public not to be misled by the claims.​

 

[Saif]

'State intelligence agency' is attempting to form political party, Rizvi alleges

Doubts are growing as to whether there are subtle efforts within the government to weaken and break the BNP, he also said

www.thedailystar.net

'State intelligence agency' is attempting to form political party, Rizvi alleges

Ruhul Kabir Rizvi

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today alleged that a "state intelligence agency" is attempting to form a political party.

"If state intelligence agencies decide who will be elected, then what value will there be to these sacrifices?" Rizvi questioned while speaking at a discussion at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) this morning.

He also said that doubts are growing as to whether there are subtle efforts within the government to weaken and break the BNP.​

 

[Saif]

Students’ proclamation move: BNP, others raise questions, Jamaat welcomes it

BNP and several other political parties raise questions about the Students Against Discrimination’s decision to proclaim what it calls the July Revolution while Jamaat welcomes it.

www.thedailystar.net

Students’ proclamation move: BNP, others raise questions, Jamaat welcomes it

BNP and several other political parties raise questions about the Students Against Discrimination's decision to proclaim what it calls the July Revolution while Jamaat welcomes it.

Sources in the BNP say their leaders apprehend that this move may delay the next election. They also wonder why the students are doing this five months after the uprising.

The BNP wants an election at the earliest and believes that only an elected government can run the country.

Ganosamhati Andolon and Gono Odhikar Parishad leaders say the Students Against Discrimination is trying to make it seem like it alone led to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina on August 5.

Students' Convener Hasnat Abdullah yesterday said the Mujibbadi constitution of 1972 must be buried by the Proclamation of July Revolution.

The Communist Party of Bangladesh says the people will not accept any move to disown the constitution.

But BNP standing committee member Mirza Abbas said the constitution written in 1972 came at the cost of the blood of 30 lakh martyrs.

"As your elders, we feel disappointed when you say that the constitution should be buried. If there is anything bad in the constitution, it can be amended," he said at an event.

"I would like to tell the student leaders not to misunderstand us. When you say things like this, it sounds like fascism. The fascists used to say, 'We will bury them, kill them, and cut them apart," he was quoted as saying by UNB.

Wishing anonymity, a central committee member of the BNP said, "The students have taken the initiative all of a sudden. There are many reasons to think this move is aimed at delaying the election. BNP wants to give the interim government the time that is logical to make some necessary reforms. It should not be unlimited time."

CPB General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince said the 1972 constitution was the outcome of the country's long struggle.

"The constitution and its preamble -- nationalism, socialism, democracy, and secularism -- were adopted as a continuation of the 21-point demands of the 1954 Jukta Front, the 11-point demands of 1969, and the Declaration of Independence during the Liberation War. Those who refuse to acknowledge this or want to repeal the 1972 Constitution and its preamble, are essentially disowning the Liberation War," he said.

Jamaat spokesperson Motiur Rahman Akanda said, "We must welcome the Students Against Discrimination which is set to proclaim on December 31 the July mass uprising as a revolution. They led the mass uprising against the fascist Awami League government.

"We will express our formal reaction after we know what is in the proclamation. We think the students can make such a proclamation. There is nothing wrong with it."

Gono Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Rashed Khan said, "It is a whimsical decision by the students. If the students make any decision without consulting with political parties and other stakeholders, their move will raise questions. Before making decisions, the students should talk to others."

Rashed also said making the proclamation so late defied logic. "It should be declared before the movement," he said, adding that students now want to take all the credit although many political parties, organisations and individuals were behind the movement.

A leader of Ganosamhati Andolon, wishing anonymity, said students were making the move for political gains.​

 

[Saif]

Govt not involved with July Revolution manifesto: Chief Adviser’s press secretary

The interim government is not involved with the upcoming July Revolution manifesto, which the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement plans to announce on 31 December, a spokesperson has said. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Md. Shafiqul Alam told reporters on Sunday that the government conside

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Govt not involved with July Revolution manifesto: Chief Adviser’s press secretary
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Dec 29, 2024 18:54
Updated :
Dec 29, 2024 19:04

The interim government is not involved with the upcoming July Revolution manifesto, which the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement plans to announce on 31 December, a spokesperson has said.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Md. Shafiqul Alam told reporters on Sunday that the government considers the manifesto a private initiative.

“This is a private effort, and we see it as such,” he said at a briefing outside the state guesthouse Jamuna. “The government has no role in this. Those supporting it are backing a private initiative.”

Earlier in the day, at a press conference, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement said it will reveal the manifesto at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka city at 3pm on 31 December. The announcement aims to “bury” what they called the Mujibist Constitution of 1972, according to movement leaders.

Graffiti of Hasina to be announced ‘Monument of Hate’

The graffiti of former Prime Minister and Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina at Dhaka University will be declared a “Monument of Hate,” said Mr Alam.

When asked about the removal of Sheikh Hasina’s graffiti at Dhaka University, Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder explained that the removal was due to a misunderstanding.

He added that the university authorities have confirmed they will restore the graffiti. Moreover, under the university law, all such memorials, including the graffiti of Sheikh Hasina from the July Revolution, will be preserved on campus.​

 

[Bilal9]

Truck collides with car of Sarjis-Hasnat’s convoy

A car in a convoy of vehicles carrying leaders of the anti-discrimination student movement Sarjis Alam and Hasnat Abdullah was involved in a collision with a truck when the leaders were on their way back from Chattogram.

www.thedailystar.net

Truck collides with car of Sarjis-Hasnat’s convoy
Nobody hurt, trucker held

View attachment 11032
Photos: Collected

A car in a convoy of vehicles carrying leaders of the anti-discrimination student movement Sargis Alam and Hasnat Abdullah was involved in a collision with a truck when the leaders were on their way back from Chattogram.

The incident occurred last night in Hazipara area of Chunti union under Chattgram's Lohagara upazila.

Additional Superintendent of Police Md Rasel of the Detective Branch (DB) of Chattogram District Police confirmed the incident to The Daily Star.

"Hasnat and Sargis were not in the car and are safe," he said.

"A Cox's Bazar-bound truck hit a car in their convoy. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident, although the front of the car sustained damage. The truck driver has been arrested," he added.​

They should've just used a commercial flight. I mean - they are an important part of the administration...

 

[Bilal9]

The graffiti of former Prime Minister and Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina at Dhaka University will be declared a “Monument of Hate,” said Mr Alam.

This is what they are talking about, Hasina's portrait all smeared with fake blood and they hung a garland of shoes next to her portrait. I think the University might have "accidentally" cleaned up the graffiti.

 

[Vsdoc]

Students, Nagorik committee: We’ll form a political party within 2 months

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and Jatiya Nagorik Committee are planning to form a new political party within a month or two, said Nasiruddin Patwary, convener of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee.

www.thedailystar.net

Students, Nagorik committee: We’ll form a political party within 2 months
Committee convener says ‘no polls before trials of all AL miscreants’

View attachment 11729
From the left: Nasir Uddin Nasir, Abdul Hannan Masud, Mahir Shahriar Reza. Photos: Collected

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and Jatiya Nagorik Committee are planning to form a new political party within a month or two, said Nasiruddin Patwary, convener of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee.

"We are currently a political initiative, born out of the 2024 mass uprising, comprising forces that defeated Awami fascism and aim to rebuild Bangladesh," he told reporters after paying tributes at the National Mausoleum in Savar marking Victory Day yesterday.

Their vision is to present Bangladesh as a dreamland in South Asia and on the global stage.

"With this goal in mind, the Jatiya Nagorik Committee and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement will introduce a promising political party within the next month or two."

About elections taking place by the first half of 2026, Nasiruddin told reporters that the new party would never support holding the next general polls until "all the Awami League miscreants" are tried for their role in the civilian killing spree during the July-August uprising.

The country has a history of holding elections without trying the killers of peaceful anti-government protesters whenever a forcible regime change occurs, he said, while urging all to work towards ensuring justice against the AL.

"…Even after 1971, we have not yet been able to hold trials for those who stood against the people of Bangladesh in 1971. We have not yet seen justice for those killed in 1990. Taking lessons from 90 and 71, there will be no elections before the trial of 2024," he said.

He further said if there is an election before the trial of 2024, the 2,000 martyrs and millions injured will not get any justice.

"To this end, we call on all parties, factions, and groups to be active in the judicial process and fulfil the dream of Bangladeshis," he said.

Through the July-August uprising, the country also gained independence from Indian hegemony, Nasiruddin said, while cautioning the young generation to stay active against conspiracies being hatched by New Delhi and the AL.​

@Lulldapull

Are tou seeing these handsome young colluddz.

 

[Lulldapull]

@Lulldapull

Are tou seeing these handsome young colluddz.

This regime change what happened in Bangla is the same mysterious event of what happened in Syria recently.

Nobody is certain on what actually happened.

They uprooted their own modern history and trashed it completely.

 

[Sharma Ji]

I understand the average Banglungi's frustration with the AL Dynastinuls.

Jabardasti ka secularism, persecution of zamati momineens, corruption everywhere, fraandship with fascist Modiuddin Hindu.

Indian nationalist virus bit you too, it's a global situation, but, the entire had been listing right for a while... now it's capsizing.

Europe etc leftists also worried. I was JUST speaking to a Swizz guy here, hippie, biker, lefty... " Italy go, Denmark go, Germany go... all go right..pffft" followed by a middle finger and bad shakal making ... banda pareshaan tha, full chintit.

@Paitoo Uddin lekhak @Lulldapull

 

[Lulldapull]

I understand the average Banglungi's frustration with the AL Dynastinuls.

Jabardasti ka secularism, persecution of zamati momineens, corruption everywhere, fraandship with fascist Modiuddin Hindu.

Indian nationalist virus bit you too, it's a global situation, but, the entire had been listing right for a while... now it's capsizing.

Europe etc leftists also worried. I was JUST speaking to a Swizz guy here, hippie, biker, lefty... " Italy go, Denmark go, Germany go... all go right..pffft" followed by a middle finger and bad shakal making ... banda pareshaan tha, full chintit.

@Paitoo Uddin lekhak @Lulldapull

I've said it before too bhai so many times. This region from eastern Afghanistan all the way to Dhaka only got one problem......Population.

Believe me, there really is no other drama.

If this region can get their head around this problem, they'd come out of this nonsense existence.

All the smart/ educated/ industrialized countries have a declining population.

All the jahil backward countries have an increasing population problem.

And its 2025 bhai.

 

[Sharma Ji]

I've said it before too bhai so many times. This region from eastern Afghanistan all the way to Dhaka only got one problem......Population.

Believe me, there really is no other drama.

If this region can get their head around this problem, they'd come out of this nonsense existence.

All the smart/ educated/ industrialized countries have a declining population.

All the jahil backward countries have an increasing population problem.

And its 2025 bhai.

It's fuelling the rise on the ethno nat right but, their declining birth rates, a natural function of growing prosperity.

Passa palat gaya hai, rahees lot in India having increasingly fewer kids... while the jahils trying to outbreed them.

 

[Lulldapull]

It's fuelling the rise on the ethno nat right but, their declining birth rates, a natural function of growing prosperity.

Passa palat gaya hai, rahees lot in India having increasingly fewer kids... while the jahils trying to outbreed them.

Throughout the US bhai this issue is so starkly visible in all the suburbs which are just exclusive. The cops pull you over bhai if yous poor and found doing anything in those suburbs.

California has gone too far developing even gated communities where you got access via a security gate guard house.

Economic segregation is just very visible in the US since the last century now.

All the jahil lower middle class mazhabi types live in their own world bhai.

 

[Vsdoc]

Throughout the US bhai this issue is so starkly visible in all the suburbs which are just exclusive. The cops pull you over bhai if yous poor and found doing anything in those suburbs.

California has gone too far developing even gated communities where you got access via a security gate guard house.

Economic segregation is just very visible in the US since the last century now.

All the jahil lower middle class mazhabi types live in their own world bhai.

The fault is of the hoity toity chutyas for not having enough babies.

Anyone who has only one baby is screaming to the world that he (or she) recognises that they are of inferior stock and are therefore limiting the genetic damage to the gene pool.

Anyone who has two babies is admitting that they recognise that they no one special and hence are simply replacing their little nook in the sun.

 

[Lulldapull]

The fault is of the hoity toity chutyas for not having enough babies.

Anyone who has only one baby is screaming to the world that he (or she) recognises that they are of inferior stock and are therefore limiting the genetic damage to the gene pool.

Anyone who has two babies is admitting that they recognise that they no one special and hence are simply replacing their little nook in the sun.

Doc ab to shadi karna is considered a mistake from grandma era.

Koi nahi karta shadi ab.

Was talking to my buddy reza the other day and he said all his nieces n nephews in Iran won’t do it.

Irans population is plummeting and the jahil afghani and central Haitians moving in pretending to be afghani.

100 years ago millions of Azeri and Turkmen moved in escaping brutal communism of the USSR. Salay sub ghuns betthiye.

It’s not a good scene.

 

[Vsdoc]

Doc ab to shadi karna is considered a mistake from grandma era.

Koi nahi karta shadi ab.

Was talking to my buddy reza the other day and he said all his nieces n nephews in Iran won’t do it.

Irans population is plummeting and the jahil afghani and central Haitians moving in pretending to be afghani.

100 years ago millions of Azeri and Turkmen moved in escaping brutal communism of the USSR. Salay sub ghuns betthiye.

It’s not a good scene.

I have no tolerance for kids who give me gyaan on shaadi and personal life and la di da concepts like personal choice and dysfunctional social structures etc.

Including my own.

Bc suck it up and do your bit. You have 25 years to live for yourself. While your parents take care of you.

Then around 35 years of living for your kids and launching them in the world and their lives as adults and heads of their own families.

Along the way taking care of your aging parents as well when they are unable to on their own.

And then you and your wife are free to get on each others balls for the rest of your lives. With an empty nest. But a big bank balance. And aching back and knees.

 

[Bilal9]

Hey guys - I get all the analysis but let's keep it on topic. Just sayin'.

Why is this not happening elsewhere in South Asia?

Why aren't young people coming out in droves asking to reform the corrupt political landscape, upturning existing platforms?

I guess it is happening in Pakistan but why not in India?

 

[Saif]

Infighting in Anti-Discrimination Students Movement leaves 9 injured

The incident took place at around 8:30pm on January 10 at the central office of the organisation, located at Rupayan Tower in the capital's Banglamotor

www.thedailystar.net

Infighting in Anti-Discrimination Students Movement leaves 9 injured

A clash broke out between two groups of Anti-Discrimination Student Movement over a dispute regarding the Mirpur Thana Committee of the group in Dhaka. Nine individuals were reported injured in the incident.

The injured received primary treatment at the emergency department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Medical University (BSMMU) and were later discharged.

The incident took place at around 8:30pm on January 10 at the central office of the organisation, located at Rupayan Tower in the capital's Banglamotor.

Abu Naser, deputy director of BSMMU, confirmed the matter to UNB.

He stated, "At around 8:30pm last night, nine injured individuals arrived here. They had cuts and wounds, but none of them required hospitalisation. They were given primary care and discharged."

He also mentioned that the injured individuals were handed over to Hamza Mahbub, the Crisis Management Coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.​

 

[Saif]

SUST suspends 29 students for attacking anti-discrimination movement

Besides, the university authority formed a four-member probe body headed by the acting vice-chancellor of the university Prof Sajedul Karim to investigate the incidents

www.thedailystar.net

SUST suspends 29 students for attacking anti-discrimination movement

File photo

Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) has suspended 29 students for attacking the anti-discrimination student movement in July and August of last year.

Besides, the university authority formed a four-member probe body headed by the acting vice-chancellor of the university Prof Sajedul Karim to investigate the incidents.

Syed Solim Md Abdul Kadir, acting registrar of the university, issued the order today.

In the order, it was stated that they were suspended as per the decision of the 234th syndicate meeting following the recommendation of the discipline board regarding the attacks on the anti-discrimination student movement from July 15 to August 5.

All the suspended students are involved with the banned student organisation Bangladesh Chhatra League's SUST unit.

The suspended students include Khalilur Rahman, of social science department and president of SUST unit BCL, and Sojibur Rahman, of forest and environmental science department and general secretary of the unit.

Other suspended students holding BCL posts are Rezaul Haque, of social science department; Farhan Hossain Chowdhury, of the anthropology; Shimul Miah, of political studies; Md Habibur Rahman, of statistics; Md Rakibuzzaman and Yusuf Hossain, of Bangla department; Md Lokman Hossain, of biochemistry and molecular biology.

Besides, Redwan Hossain, of economics department; Maeedul Islam and Tarek Hasan, of sociology; Md Asiful Islam, Elias Sani, and Md Akash Ahmed, of anthropology; Durjoy Sarkar, of political studies; Md Siam Khan, Sajib Chandra Nath, and Syed Maj Zardi of physics; Moniruzzaman, Mozahidul Haque, Md Nafijuzzaman, and Md Ismail Hossain, of Bangla department; Shubhra Roy Shyam, of biochemistry and molecular biology; Maruf Mia, of public administration; Taimur Saleheen Taus, of English department; and Roufun Jahan, Shihab Uddin, and Mozahidul Islam of petroleum and mining engineering have been suspended.

According to Chhatra League sources, all of them are involved with BCL.

Of them, president Khalil and GS Sojjibur Rahman are accused in a case filed over the death of Rudra Sen, a student of the university who was killed during the movement. Both were arrested last October and are currently in jail.

The probe committee is set to further investigate the matter and ensure punishment.

The other members of the committee are Director of Students Guidance and Counselling Mohammad Eshaq Miah, Proctor Mokhlesur Rahman and Syed Mujtaba Ali Hall Provost Mohammad Selim.​

 

[Saif]

Move to form party: Tarique warns students against using state support

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman yesterday welcomed the move by the students, who led the July uprising, to form a political party, but warned that people would be disappointed if the party was seen enjoying support from the current administration.

www.thedailystar.net

Move to form party: Tarique warns students against using state support
Warns against using state support

Photo: Collected

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman yesterday welcomed the move by the students, who led the July uprising, to form a political party, but warned that people would be disappointed if the party was seen enjoying support from the current administration.

The National Teacher-Employees Unity Council organised the programme titled "Jatiya Shikkhak Dibos and Shikkhak Samabesh" at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, marking the 89th birth anniversary of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, which was on January 19.

"If any of these young people, [long] deprived of democratic and political rights, form a new political party to establish the rights of the people, BNP certainly welcomes the initiative. But if anyone seeks help from the state and administrative support to form a political party, it will disappoint the people," the BNP leader said.

He also said that if the behaviour, comments, or statements of those intending to form a new party are antagonistic and vindictive towards other political parties, that would also be undesirable to the people.

"Of course, today's youth are the future of Bangladesh. The youth will create a new path by coming out of the past, but not in a questionable way."

He also considered unnecessary arguments between the interim government and the pro-democracy forces of Bangladesh as a waste of time.

"But at the same time, I want to draw the attention of the government and say that if the people can patiently accept its failures in various areas, it is important for those in the government to have much more patience and tolerance."

As BNP pursues politics for the welfare of the people, he said their party aims to ensure the people's political and economic power.

"Election is one of the main effective tools to ensure the political power of the people. Creating controversy over the election arrangement means unwittingly strengthening the position of fugitive and defeated fascist forces," Tarique warned.​

 

[Saif]

New student-backed political party to contest in all 300 constituencies: Rifat Rashid

Rifat Rashid, central executive committee member of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, has announced that the student-backed political party will be launched in February. He also said that the party aims to field candidates in all 300 parliamentary seats in the upcoming elections to fulfil t

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

New student-backed political party to contest in all 300 constituencies: Rifat Rashid
Published :
Jan 26, 2025 23:03
Updated :
Jan 26, 2025 23:03

Rifat Rashid, central executive committee member of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, has announced that the student-backed political party will be launched in February. He also said that the party aims to field candidates in all 300 parliamentary seats in the upcoming elections to fulfil the aspirations of the people in the post-July period.

He made these remarks on Sunday (January 26) during an exchange meeting held at the Mohammad Ali Yeakub Ali School field in Tetuljhara Union, Savar.

Rashid warned that any party that fails to meet public demands or resorts to oppression, similar to the ousted Awami League, will also be rejected by the people.​

 

[Saif]

'Those who think they will buy students with chairs in Parliament are wrong'

Hasnat Abdullah, convener of the central committee of the anti-discrimination student movement, said, those who think they can grab power by buying students with some chairs in the parliament are wrong, according local media reports. "Hasina and the Awami League government could not buy us d

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

'Those who think they will buy students with chairs in Parliament are wrong'
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Jan 27, 2025 22:57
Updated :
Jan 27, 2025 22:57

Hasnat Abdullah, convener of the central committee of the anti-discrimination student movement, said, those who think they can grab power by buying students with some chairs in the parliament are wrong, according local media reports.

"Hasina and the Awami League government could not buy us during the mass uprising. Now those who think that they will grab power by buying students with some chairs in parliament, they are mistaken. I tell those who want to go towards power, come to the people instead of going towards power. We will be by your side too."

He said this while speaking as the chief guest at a view exchange meeting of students and people titled 'Rising Chuadanga' held at Chuadanga Government College Road Poura Mukta Mancha ground on Monday.

Presided over by Aslam Hossain, convener of Chuadanga district unit of Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, the meeting was conducted by Saffatul Islam, member secretary of the district committee, and discussed important issues like fascism, democracy, movement and reform.​

 

[Saif]

‘No decision yet on us joining political party’

Information Adviser Nahid Islam said yesterday that there has been no decision about student representatives resigning from the interim government to join a political party.

www.thedailystar.net

‘No decision yet on us joining political party’
Says Nahid about the July uprising leaders in govt

Information Adviser Nahid Islam said yesterday that there has been no decision about student representatives resigning from the interim government to join a political party.

"No such decision [to resign] has been made yet. If and when it happens, we will announce it ourselves. If we decide to join a political party or quit the government, we will announce it officially."

Nahid, also the posts and telecommunications adviser, made the remarks while speaking to journalists at the ministry.

"No such decision has been made from my end or Asif's [Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan] end. We're carrying out our roles within the government."

A Bangla daily newspaper reported yesterday that advisers Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud were set to resign from the cabinet and join a political party likely to be floated by the July uprising leaders in February.

Asked about the report, Nahid said, "I have seen the report. The newspaper did not clarify its source. They should have been more responsible in their reporting.

"I had previously mentioned that we will not join any political party while still being part of the interim government."

Asked whether the Awami League would be banned, Nahid said the government has yet to reach a decision.

"Since the judicial process is ongoing, we want to see how far the legal proceedings go and what the court rules."

He further said the matter needs to be discussed with political parties, as it is both a legal and a political decision.

"Personally, and from the perspective of student leaders, we believe that after what the Awami League has done over the past 15 years, including the massacre in July, they should no longer be allowed to do politics under the name and banner of Awami League," said Nahid.

He, however, said they do not want to begin a cycle of political vengeance.

"We want justice, and reconciliation as well," said Nahid.​

 

[Saif]

Students could form political party: Yunus to FT

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has indicated that students in Bangladesh might form their own political party. “This is a good time because I’m always protecting the unity of the nation. I do not want to depart from that. One of the possibility is that the students themselves will form a

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Students could form political party: Yunus to FT
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Jan 30, 2025 20:22
Updated :
Jan 30, 2025 20:57

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has indicated that students in Bangladesh might form their own political party.

“This is a good time because I’m always protecting the unity of the nation. I do not want to depart from that. One of the possibility is that the students themselves will form a party," he said while speaking on the "Rachman Review" podcast, hosted by Gideon Rachman, chief foreign affairs commentator of the Financial Times

Yunus acknowledged the potential challenges ahead for the students too. "Maybe in the process of forming a party, they will fall apart. That’s also a danger because politics is getting in, and all the politicians will penetrate into them. So we don’t know whether they can remove themselves from the politics that we have in the country. This is the kind of chance we have to take. But the students are ready. They are campaigning. They are organizing throughout the country," he said.

The Financial Times recorded the weekly podcast during Yunus’ visit to Davos in Switzerland, where he attended the 55th World Economic Forum meeting. The podcast, featuring Yunus, was published in writing on Thursday.​

 

[Saif]

Leave government before forming party

Fakhrul tells student leaders, urges them to avoid confrontational politics

www.thedailystar.net

Leave government before forming party
Fakhrul tells student leaders, urges them to avoid confrontational politics

Photo: AFP

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said the people of Bangladesh will not accept if the students -- who steered the Anti-Discrimination Movement -- form a political party by remaining in the interim government.

Speaking at a programme on Saturday, he also called upon the student leaders to refrain from making unnecessary remarks that may lead to political confrontation.

"If students form a new political party, we don't have any objection. In fact, we'll be delighted and we'll welcome them," Fakhrul said while speaking at a clothes distribution programme for the destitute at a playground in Uttara's 13-No sector, organised by the Dhaka North City unit of BNP.

He said the students can form a political party as part of their efforts to reach the people with their new thoughts and ideas.

"But if they form a party while in government, the people of this country will not accept it," the BNP leader observed.

Fakhrul further expressed his commitment to cooperate with the students if they form the party through an accepted process.

"We'll work shoulder to shoulder with you (students) to ensure a fair election. At the same time, I would like to request you not to bring any unnecessarily confrontational rhetoric into politics. We hope for that," he said.

The BNP leader said efforts are being made to destroy the unity among democratic forces by the associates of the Awami fascists. "We must remain alert to avoid it."

Fakhrul also warned that the ghosts of the Awami League are trying to infiltrate different political parties. "Don't let them do it. I urge our leaders and workers to ensure that no ghosts of the Awami League intrude into our party."

The BNP leader said the nation was freed from the autocratic rule of Sheikh Hasina through the mass uprising. "But our ultimate goal – the restoration of democracy -- has not yet been achieved."

He called upon the interim government to arrange the national election after completing the necessary reforms as early as possible.

Fakhrul said their party leaders and workers fought and struggled for 15 years for the restoration of democracy through a credible election.

"Many of our leaders and workers died over the last 15 years. In the July movement, 426 of our leaders and activists were killed. What we ask from you (the interim government) is to remain neutral. You must remain completely impartial," he said.

He reiterated that the next election must be held under a neutral government. "We want the interim government to ensure the election is held in a completely neutral manner," Fakhrul said.​

 

[Saif]

A young adviser may resign to lead a new political party

Top leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Movement and the Jatiya Nagorik Committee said the new party will be a centrist party.

en.prothomalo.com

A young adviser may resign to lead a new political party
Staff Correspondent
Dhaka
Published: 03 Feb 2025, 20: 13

The Anti-Discrimination Movement and the Jatiya Nagorik Committee are going to unveil a new political party in mid-February and a young adviser may resign from the interim government to take the responsibility of the new party.

Top leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Movement and the Jatiya Nagarik Committee said the new party will be a centrist one . They have received several proposed names but have not yet finalised it. Discussion is underway to determine the party symbol.

Several sources of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee said any of three advisers representing the students in the interim government – Mahfuj Alam, Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain – will resign and lead the party and the remaining two will may also quit the government at their convenience. One of the latter two may resign in June and join the party, according the sources.

When asked, Jatiya Nagorik Committee member secretary Akhter Hossain told Prothom Alo on Sunday evening a formal announcement on the formation of their will come at the last half of February. The party will be a centrist party focusing national interests other than the right and left ideologies. They want to bring new faces who have no political affiliations but sided with the mass uprising.

Discussion is underway on the party’s name, launching date and venue, Akhter Hossain said adding, “We are trying to understand the public opinion. Names of student advisers from the interim government also came up in our discussion but this has yet not been finalised. Besides, if they resign how the representativeness of the student will remain in the government is also being discussed.”

A source of the Anti-Discrimination Movement said a brother of an adviser can hold an important post in the new political party. That individual is a member of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee.

A student-people mass uprising led by the student platform Anti-Discrimination Movement ousted the Awami League government on 5 August 2024 while the Jatiya Nagorik Committee was launched in last September aimed at strengthening the forces of mass uprising for the nation rebuilding. Jatiya Nagorik Committee gave the first committee on 8 November 2024. As of 1 February, they formed representative committees in 257 thanas and upazila and had mor than 34,000 representatives across the country.

The Anti-Discrimination Movement formed the first committee on 2 November. As of 1 February, they have convening committees in 30 districts, 5 cities, 8 thanas, 2 universities, three colleges and a polytechnic institutes. They have about 8,500 members.

However, the Jatiya Nagorik Committee will remain as a civil political platform and the Anti-Discrimination Movement will continues its activities even after the formation of the new political party by the students.​

 

[Saif]

Info adviser Nahid hints at leaving govt role to join new party

Information adviser Mohammad Nahid Islam has indicated that he may step down from his government position to join a new political party if he feels that working directly with people is more important than serving in the government.

www.newagebd.net

Info adviser Nahid hints at leaving govt role to join new party
United News of Bangladesh . Dhaka 15 February, 2025, 17:20

Information adviser Mohammad Nahid Islam. | File Photo

Information adviser Mohammad Nahid Islam has indicated that he may step down from his government position to join a new political party if he feels that working directly with people is more important than serving in the government.

‘There are discussions about forming a new political party. If someone wishes to join, it is not possible by retaining a government role,’ Nahid said in an interview with a television channel on Saturday.

He said that the new party is expected to be formed this month and if it happens, all will know it within a few days.

Nahid Islam, a coordinator of anti-Discrimination Student Movement and student of Dhaka University, took oath as an adviser to the interim government on August 9 after the fall of Hasina govt in a mass upsurge on August 5.

Nahid, who was a student of Dhaka University’s Sociology Department (2016-17 session), was picked along with another adviser, Asif Mahmud, during the first round of curfew slapped by the Hasina government to suppress the quota reform movement.

Later, Detective Branch members picked him along with some other coordinators while he was undergoing treatment at Gonoshasthaya Nagar Hospital in the capital.

Later, six coordinators of the movement including Nahid were forced to announce the withdrawal of the anti-discrimination student movement programme in a video message when they were under DB custody.

But after being released from there, they again announced the programme for a movement and at one stage placed a one-point demand seeking Hasina’s resignation.

The movement then turned into mass upsurge with the participation of people from all walks of life, forcing Hasina to resign and flee the country.

Nahid Islam was a leader of a student organisation called Ganatantrik Chhatra Shakti. Nahid was the member secretary of the central committee of the organisation.​

 

[Saif]

‘Some cops, judges patronising killers’

National Citizens' Committee chief organiser Sarjis Alam yesterday alleged that certain police officers and judges are patronising criminals in exchange for benefits.

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‘Some cops, judges patronising killers’
Alleges Sarjis

National Citizens' Committee chief organiser Sarjis Alam yesterday alleged that certain police officers and judges are patronising criminals in exchange for benefits.

Speaking at a discussion titled "Your Vision of a New Bangladesh" in Sonargaon yesterday, he claimed that numerous allegations have surfaced regarding political groups that once opposed fascism but are now protecting these individuals in return for money and power.

He said some police officers and judges continue to provide cover for these criminals in exchange for various favours.

Addressing the upcoming elections, he said it must be the most transparent election in Bangladesh's history. He said if one party were to win all 300 seats while others secured none, they would accept it, provided the election upheld the spirit of the revolution.

However, he warned that if any force attempted to manipulate votes or influence polling centres, those places would become the grounds for another uprising.

Sarjis said their new political party would be inclusive of people from all backgrounds, regardless of religion, ideology, age, or class.

He said Nahid Islam, a key figure in the movement, had been asked to step out of power and take on a crucial role for the people.

He alleged that certain groups, especially in the media, were attempting to create division by spreading misleading information about leadership appointments.

Accusing the former prime minister, he alleged that "Killer Hasina" fled the country out of fear but continues to incite unrest from abroad along with her beneficiaries.

Sarjis urged the people to carefully assess their leaders, asking them to recognise who stood by them during difficult times and who remained absent, only to return now claiming to support them.

He said many so-called leaders had been missing for the past 16 years but were now resurfacing to seek leadership, and he cautioned that these figures would abandon the people again when the time came.

Criticising ongoing corruption, he claimed that extortion and syndicates still exist and that land grabbing in Sonargaon has worsened.

He called for unity in order to bring about real change. He also advised people against blindly following any leader, urging them instead to engage in logical criticism.​

 

[Saif]

July uprising party: Discord brewing over member secretary post

With Adviser Nahid Islam almost certain to be the convener of the new political party being floated by the July uprising activists, differences of opinion have emerged among the leaders over the member secretary post, the second-highest role in the party hierarchy.

www.thedailystar.net

July uprising party: Discord brewing over member secretary post
Nahid, all set to be convener, may quit govt in a few days

With Adviser Nahid Islam almost certain to be the convener of the new political party being floated by the July uprising activists, differences of opinion have emerged among the leaders over the member secretary post, the second-highest role in the party hierarchy.

So far, Jatiya Nagorik Committee Convener Nasiruddin Patwary, Member Secretary Akhter Hossen, Joint Convener Ali Ahsan Zonaed and Chief Organiser Sarjis Alam, and Students Against Discrimination Convener Hasnat Abdullah are leading the race for the new party's member secretary post.

Nahid, information and ICT adviser, may quit the government within four to five days, said sources close to him.

Meanwhile, Jatiya Nagorik Committee, the citizens' platform launched after the uprising, is now split into three groups over the top posts of the new political party's convening committee, said insiders.

One consists of leaders of Students Against Discrimination, who had been previously involved with Gonotantrik Chhatra Shakti and Chhatra Odhikar Parishad.

Those previously affiliated with leftist politics form the second faction and the third comprises former members of Islami Chhatra Shibir, at least three leaders of the civic platform told this newspaper, requesting to be anonymous.

The first faction within the Nagorik Committee is supporting Akhter, while Adviser Mahfuj Alam, who plays a key role in the policymaking of the Nagorik Committee, wants Nasiruddin to be the new party's member secretary, the sources said.

Akhter is facing opposition from the faction belonging to former Chhatra Shakti leaders as he had a "personal rivalry" with Mahfuj since the inception of Chhatra Shakti, the sources added.

On the other hand, the former Shibir activists are trying to bring Zonaed, former president of Shibir's Dhaka University unit and member of Jatiya Nagorik Committee's executive body, into the second-in-command position of the new party.

The leftist faction wants Anik Roy, former general secretary of Chhatra Union's central committee, in a key position.

"As the new political party aims to be inclusive, people with diverse opinions are part of it. Shibir wants its former leaders to take leadership roles. While the leftists initially wanted Akhter as a leader due to his long history of doing politics, they no longer support him," a member of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee told this newspaper.

The civic platform has held a series of meetings in the last few weeks over the issue, but could not reach a conclusion as of now.

Sources said the Shibir-led faction demanded Zonaed as the member secretary of the new political party and at least four posts out of the top 10 posts.

They even threatened to quit Jatiya Nagorik Committee and form another organisation if their demands were not met.

As they did not get a "positive signal" from other key policymakers, the faction boycotted a meeting of the platform's central executive body at its office yesterday afternoon, the sources said.

Some student leaders were seen taking to social media on the issue.

"I joined the anti-fascist politics through Akhter Hossen. His love for the country and its people has always inspired us. On the Dhaka University campus, he has always stood up against the terror of Chhatra League without any hesitation. As a conscious citizen, I stand by Akhter Hossen. Don't conspire against anyone," Abdul Hannan Masud, the chief organiser of Students Against Discrimination, wrote on Facebook.

Mirza Galib, former president of DU Chhatra Shibir, wrote on Facebook, "The Nagorik Committee should have worked to create a unified political platform involving all the youth associated with the uprising … There should be proper participation of madrasa students and Shibir members … But unfortunately, it seems that the Nagorik Committee is failing to create a democratic and inclusive environment."

The Daily Star tried to reach Nasiruddin, Akhter, Zonaed and Sarjis several times, but they did not respond to phone calls and texts.​

 

[Saif]

We’re giving importance to people, not power: Sarjis Alam

Sarjis maintained, “You have high hopes. If we can’t fulfill those hopes, at the end of the day, there will be no difference between us and the past. There has been an uprising at the participation of student-people with the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement at the helm. Killer Hasina has...

en.prothomalo.com

We’re giving importance to people, not power: Sarjis Alam
Correspondent
Narayanganj
Published: 16 Feb 2025, 22: 41

Jatiya Nagorik Committee chief organiser Sarjis Alam addresses the meeting at Royal Resort in Sonargaon upazila of Narayanganj on 16 February 2025 Prothom Alo

The student-people do not aspire for power. If they were power-oriented and had taken a decision to form a government on 5 August (2024), no political party of Bangladesh had the audacity to speak against the step.

Jatiya Nagorik Committee chief organiser Sarjis Alam made the remarks while addressing a meeting to exchange views at a programme titled, New Bangladesh in Your Eyes, at Royal Resort in Sonargaon upazila of Narayanganj Sunday afternoon.

He further said they spoke with the top leadership of all the political parties immediately after their victory was ensured on 5 August.

This one of the top leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement of that time informed the discussion that the advisors of the incumbent interim government were chosen based on opinions of all the stakeholders of the anti-fascist uprising. “Even today we are giving importance to the people, not power.”

Sarjis maintained, “You have high hopes. If we can’t fulfill those hopes, at the end of the day, there will be no difference between us and the past. There has been an uprising at the participation of student-people with the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement at the helm. Killer Hasina has left the country in fear. But this killer Hasina and some of her beneficiaries have been instigating from abroad.”

“Many have been doing politics under banners of different political platforms. The time has come for you to know your leaders; whom you have got by you in the hard times and who had capitalised benefits hiding abroad at different times. There were many leaders of different political parties in the last 16 years whom you did not find. But now they have been giving their blessings to you in different forms in this new Bangladesh. They will flee again on time,” Sarjis said.

The Jatiya Nagorik Committee chief organiser also insisted on unity to stop toll collection, syndicate in business and illegal occupancy.

He also spoke about receiving information that a few political parties, who were in the anti-fascist movement, have been providing shelter to the killers in exchange of money and other benefits.

Sarjis also talked about getting information that some of the police officials and judges have been entertaining the former killers.

He urged all not to follow anyone blindly, rather criticise everyone rationally.

Remarking that the coming election must be the best and most transparent elections in the history of Bangladesh, the Jatiya Nagorik Committee leader said, “We will have no objections even if any party wins in all 300 constituencies and no one else gets even one seat. But there should be an election keeping the aspirations of the mass uprising ahead.”

He also warned that the polling centre where any power or quarter tries to exert its influence would turn into the centre of another mass uprising.

Sarjis insisted that the post-uprising new political party will be open to people of all age, religion, opinion, and class.

“Our most important task at this moment is to form a new party. We have asked our fellow fighter in the mass uprising, Nahid Islam, to take an important responsibility abdicating power. But let me clear one thing, there are many quarters in different sectors, including the media, who have been spreading information giving certain party posts to certain people to break our unity. There could be dissents among us; but there will be no division among us regarding the party and the country. No post will determine the march of our future Bangladesh,” he stressed.

Sonargaon upazila units of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement jointly organised the meeting.​

 

[Saif]

Nahid hints at resigning by end of this week to join new party

Information Adviser Nahid Islam today said he will take the decision regarding his resignation and joining a new political party by the end of this week

www.thedailystar.net

Nahid hints at resigning by end of this week to join new party

Nahid Islam

Information Adviser Nahid Islam today said he will take the decision regarding his resignation and joining a new political party by the end of this week.

The information adviser said this while talking to reporters after the Deputy Commissioners' Conference at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital.​

 

[Saif]

Adviser Nahid dismisses resignation rumours

Rumours have been circulating that Information and Broadcasting Advisor Nahid Islam has resigned, but he has dismissed the claims. On Sunday evening, bdnews24.com contacted the Chief Advisor’s Office regarding the matter. An official from the press office said, "I asked Advisor Nahid about

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Adviser Nahid dismisses resignation rumours
bdnews24.com
Published :
Feb 23, 2025 21:00
Updated :
Feb 23, 2025 21:00

Rumours have been circulating that Information and Broadcasting Advisor Nahid Islam has resigned, but he has dismissed the claims.

On Sunday evening, bdnews24.com contacted the Chief Advisor’s Office regarding the matter.

An official from the press office said, "I asked Advisor Nahid about this. He said, 'no, I have not resigned’."​

 

[Saif]

July activists to launch party on Feb 28: Sarjis

Formal launch on Friday at Manik Mia

www.thedailystar.net

July activists to launch party on Feb 28: Sarjis
Formal launch on Friday at Manik Mia

Screengrab

The new political party of the July uprising activists is going to be launched on February 28, chief organiser of Jatiya Nagorik Committee, Sarjis Alam, said today.

The announcement will be made at 3:00pm at a rally in Manik Mia Avenue, he said.

Sarjis made the announcement at a press briefing held at Nagorik Committee's office in Dhaka's Bangla Motor this evening.​

 

[Saif]

Dispute in Nagorik Committee over members’ China visit

A dispute has emerged within the Jatiya Nagorik Committee over the inclusion of some members in a delegation of 22 political leaders from eight parties, including the BNP, who travelled to China on Monday at the invitation of the Communist Party of China

www.thedailystar.net

Dispute in Nagorik Committee over members’ China visit

A dispute has emerged within the Jatiya Nagorik Committee over the inclusion of some members in a delegation of 22 political leaders from eight parties, including the BNP, who travelled to China on Monday at the invitation of the Communist Party of China.

In a press release issued at midnight, the committee stated it was unaware of the visit and had received no formal invitation. It clarified that no official representative was part of the delegation or authorized to act on its behalf.

"If any individual joins the delegation or claims to represent the Jatiya Nagorik Committee without approval, their actions are personal and not linked to the committee," the release stated.

Among the delegates are Ali Ahsan Zonaed and Rafe Salman Rifat, both former leaders of Islami Chhatra Shibir's Dhaka University unit. Zonaed is reportedly being considered for a senior role in a new political party launching Friday at Manik Mia Avenue.

Internal tensions have risen within the committee over leadership appointments in the new party. Some oppose giving key positions to former Shibir leaders, fearing it would reinforce the Awami League's claim that the July uprising was backed by Jamaat-Shibir. Others support a more inclusive approach.

As a compromise, the committee recently introduced two new senior positions—senior joint convener and senior joint member secretary—alongside the existing four key posts of convener, member secretary, spokesperson, and chief organiser.

Zonaed was reportedly being considered for the senior joint convener role, while discussions were ongoing about a position for Rifat. However, their unapproved China visit has raised fresh concerns within the committee.

Following the press release, several leaders expressed unease over Zonaed and Rifat's action. Some suggested this could impact Zonaed's potential leadership role in the new party.

The Nagorik Committee has urged all parties to avoid confusion and requested verification of any representation claims before acknowledgment or action.

However, around 12:28am, Zonaed in a Facebook post said, "The new political party, set to launch on February 28 under the leadership of young individuals, will not include me. I informed the party leaders about my decision more than a week ago. In the interest of greater unity and to keep the nation's focus on the new party, I chose to remain silent. However, the speculations have not stopped, so I want to make my position clear."

"Look, for Bangladesh's future, a political party led by those who spearheaded the uprising is necessary for the country's best interests. I extend my prayers and best wishes to this new political party. May it always remain committed to honesty and justice, as per the people's aspirations. May it establish a new political culture that eliminates all avenues for corruption," he said in the status.

"Although my repeated calls went unheeded, I still hope that democratic processes and inclusiveness will define this party. Even after facing unfortunate realities, I sincerely wish that this party will break free from the politics of tagging and taboos, ushering in a new era of politics, he said.

Zonaed further said, "I also hope that the sense of brotherhood, love, and cooperation we shared during the uprising will continue in this new political journey, with mutual respect remaining unchanged. Best wishes to the new party, Nahid Islam, and the emerging leadership."​

 

[Saif]

Manifesto, programmes of students’ party not finalised

The manifesto and the programmes of the new political party of the students who led the July-August mass uprising are yet to be finalised though the party is going to be floated on February 28.

www.newagebd.net

Manifesto, programmes of students’ party not finalised
Moinul Haque 25 February, 2025, 23:58

File Photo

The manifesto and the programmes of the new political party of the students who led the July-August mass uprising are yet to be finalised though the party is going to be floated on February 28.

The Students Against Discrimination that led the mass uprising and the Jatiya Nagarik Committee, formed by the youths that led the uprising, on Monday announced the date of flouting their new party.

Meanwhile, putting an end to speculation over the leadership of the new party, the interim government’s information adviser and Dhaka University student Mohammad Nahid Islam, one of the key student coordinators of the July uprising, resigned from the government’s advisory council on Tuesday to take the helm of the new party.

The party will begin its journey with a 151-member convening committee, and a significant number of members would be included from outside the Students Against Discrimination and the Jatiya Nagarik Committee, they said.

The organisers of the JNC said that they would launch their party at Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka by reading out its declaration.

The party’s manifesto and programmes would be published in phases, they said.

They said that the declaration would highlight Bengal’s thousand-year history, emphasising its tradition of coexistence across religious and social lines.

It would reflect on key movements and struggles, including the Partition of 1947, the Language Movement of 1952, the Liberation War of 1971, the mass uprising of 1990, and the student-led movement of 2024, they said.

The declaration would also define the party’s ideological foundation, with the rich cultural heritage of the Bengal Basin as a core principle.

The new party would be announced to fulfill the aspirations of the 2024 mass uprising, drawing from past movements and struggles where such aspirations remained unrealised, the organisers said.

Jatiya Nagarik Committee spokesperson Samantha Sharmin on Tuesday said that the outline of the convening committee for the new party was yet to be finalised, but it could consist of 151 members.

She said that it would take time to finalise the manifesto and programmes.

‘Initially, we will announce the main party on February 28 without any associated fronts. The fronts, including the student wing, labour wing, and youth wing, will be announced later,’ she said.

One of the new party organisers confirmed that Nahid Islam would be the convener and that he had resigned from the government to lead the new party.

Following his resignation as an adviser to the interim government, Nahid told reporters that he, in an informal meeting of the advisory council at 1:00 pm, had discussed a personal issue and submitted his resignation letter to the chief adviser.

‘I intend to join the new political party to work on the ground with the people to unite them once again and fulfill the promises of the mass uprising. This is why I am resigning,’ he said.

In response to a question about the top positions in the new political party, Nahid urged journalists to wait until the announcement on February 28.

One of the organisers of the Jatiya Nagarik Committee said that JNC member secretary Akhtar Hossain would be the member secretary of the party and the name of the party would be finalised by Thursday.

He said that JNC chief organiser Sarjis Alam and the Student Against Discrimination convener Hasnat Abdullah would hold the posts of organisers while the JNC convener Nasiruddin Patwary would hold the post of chief coordinator.

Youth leaders who played a key role in the student-led uprising that toppled the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government launched their political platform Jatiya Nagarik Committee at the Central Shaheed Minar on September 8, 2024.

The committee aimed to dismantle the fascist system and pursue a new political settlement for Bangladesh.

Following up on the momentum of the July-August uprising, the leaders of Students Against Discrimination unveiled the committee›s expansion plans in October 2024, focusing on district, upazila, and educational institution levels nationwide.

In January 2025, leaders of the two platforms announced plans to launch a new centrist political party in Bangladesh by February.​

 

[Saif]

Nahid discloses wealth information amid speculations

He made this declaration last night on his verified Facebook page.

www.thedailystar.net

Nahid discloses wealth information amid speculations

File photo of Nahid Islam/Facebook

Former adviser to the interim government, Nahid Islam, yesterday disclosed his wealth information, stating that neither he nor any of his family members had purchased any property anywhere in the country during his tenure.

He made this declaration last night on his verified Facebook page.

His statement comes a day after he submitted his resignation letter to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guesthouse Jamuna. Nahid Islam reportedly stepped down to join a new political party.

During his tenure, he oversaw the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology.

In his Facebook post, Nahid Islam clarified his financial status.

"Before assuming the post of adviser, I did not have any bank account. On August 21, I opened a government-approved account with Sonali Bank to receive my honorarium for serving as an adviser. I am presenting the transaction details of this account to the public, covering the period from August 21, 2024, to February 26, 2025. A total of Tk 10,06,886 was deposited, while Tk 9,96,188 was withdrawn. Notably, I do not have any other bank account apart from this one with Sonali Bank."

He said that neither he nor his immediate family -- his wife, mother, or father -- had acquired any property during his tenure.

Nahid also disclosed that his private secretary holds Tk 36,028 in an Islami Bank account.

Furthermore, he stated that records of assets belonging to his personal officer and other relevant individuals are available and can be disclosed if needed.

To support his claims, he attached his Sonali Bank account statement to the Facebook post, asserting that all information is verifiable at any government office in Bangladesh under the Right to Information Act.​

 

[Saif]

Tarique, Fakhrul invited to Jatiya Nagorik Party launch event

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir have been invited to the official launch event of the Jatiya Nagorik Party (National Citizens' Party), scheduled for today

www.thedailystar.net

Tarique, Fakhrul invited to Jatiya Nagorik Party launch event

Photo: BNP

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir have been invited to the official launch event of the Jatiya Nagorik Party (National Citizens' Party), scheduled for today.

Shayrul Kabir Khan, a member of the BNP Media Cell, confirmed the invitation to The Daily Star last night. He said five other BNP leaders have also been invited.

Three student leaders visited the LD Hall premises of the National Parliament building and handed over the invitation letter to BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi BNP leaders at 8:30pm.

Student leaders Nusrat Tabassum and Abdul Hannan Masud were present during the invitation handover.​

 

[Saif]

Scuffle mars launch of new student org

A new student organisation named Bangladesh Gonotantrik Chhatra Sangsad was launched yesterday amid protests by private university students for exclusion despite their role in the July uprising.

www.thedailystar.net

Scuffle mars launch of new student org
Bangladesh Gonotantrik Chhatra Sangsad committee announced; private univ students protest exclusion

A ruckus over the launch of Bangladesh Gonotantrik Chhatra Sangsad, led by several leaders of the Students Against Discrimination, at Dhaka University’s Madhur Canteen yesterday. Private university students alleged that they have been sidelined in the new organisation and are seen trying to stop the press conference. Photo: Palash Khan

A new student organisation named Bangladesh Gonotantrik Chhatra Sangsad was launched yesterday amid protests by private university students for exclusion despite their role in the July uprising.

Launched at Madhur Canteen of Dhaka University, this organisation, led by former leaders of the Students Against Discrimination (SAD), said it would operate independently based on its own agendas and would refrain from partisan politics.

In a latenight development, private university students, who have long been alleging their exclusion from all post-August 5 platforms and committees, blocked Bangla Motor for an hour till 10:45pm to protest "attacks" on them earlier in the day by supporters of the newly formed organisation.

Demanding immediate dissolution of the committee, they said they would hold demonstrations across private universities today. If their demand is not met, they would go for a "Dhaka Blockade" programme on February 28, the day a new political party is to be launched by members of SAD and the Jatiya Nagorik Committee.

For now, the Gonotantrik Chhatra Sangsad will be led by a six-member central committee. There will also be a six-member DU unit.

The launch of the committee was slated for 3:00pm, but private university students showed up at the venue an hour later to protest their exclusion, stating they had been sidelined despite their significant role in the July uprising.

Around 5:15pm, when former SAD coordinator Abu Baker Majumder, now convener of the Bangladesh Gonotantrik Chhatra Sangsad, was announcing the new student body's name and leadership, the private university students surrounded him before he could finish, and a scuffle broke out.

The demonstrators demanded the inclusion of Rifat Rashid, a DU student who was a July Movement coordinator, in the committee. He, however, was already included in the leadership but not in the position he desired.

It is not yet known why private university students fought for a DU student's position while protesting for their own recognition.

Members of the new student body then brought out a procession from Madhur Canteen, but a clash ensued as they reached the Lecture Theatre building. Several private university students were injured.

Some were severely beaten up by members of the new group at Hakim Chattar at around 6:00pm. At least two students had to be taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

Tariqul Islam, a student of the University of Information Technology and Sciences, said, "We also played an important role in the uprising alongside public university students. We're protesting here to ensure we are not excluded from the new student organisation."

Abu Baker said, "The organisation will work to fulfil students' expectations based on the spirit of the July uprising. Protests before the committee's announcement seemed driven by other agendas, but discussions will be held to address legitimate concerns."

Chhatra Sangsad

"Education, Unity, Liberation" is the motto of the new student organisation.

The central committee will be as follows: Abu Baker Majumder, convener; Tawhid Mohammad Siam, senior joint convener; Zahid Ahsan, member secretary; Rifat Rashid, senior joint member secretary; Tahmid Al Muddassir Chowdhury, chief organiser; and Ashrefa Khatun spokesperson.

The DU unit will have Abdul Kader as convener; Limon Mahmud Hasan as senior joint convener; Mohir Alam as member secretary; Al Amin Sarker as senior joint member secretary; Hasib Al Islam as chief organiser; and Rafia Rehnuma Hridi as spokesperson.

Abu Baker was also a member secretary of DU's now dissolved Gonotantrik Chhatra Shakti, led by Akhter Hossen and Nahid Islam.

Notably, Hasib, a key coordinator of SAD, was served a show-cause notice for publicly stating that the July uprising would not have been possible without arson and police killings.

On the other hand, Al Amin Sarker, who also played an active role in the uprising, was a former leader of the now banned Chhatra League.

In 2022, it was reported that he was the deputy secretary for scholarships at DU's Shaheed Sergeant Zahurul Haque Hall Chhatra League. However, he resigned from the post during the uprising.​

 

[Saif]

New party of youth 'National Citizens Party', top 5 posts finalised

Nahid Islam has been finalised as the convenor of the youth-led political party, while Akhtar Hossain has been confirmed as the member secretary.

en.prothomalo.com

New party of youth 'National Citizens Party', top 5 posts finalised
Staff Correspondent
Dhaka
Updated: 27 Feb 2025, 18: 11

Nahid Islam, Akhtar Hossain, Hasnat Abdullah and Sarjis Alam (clockwise from top)Collage

The new political party, National Citizens Party, under the initiative of the Jatiyo Nagorik Committee and the Anti-Discrimination Student movement is set to be launched tomorrow, Friday.

Nahid Islam has been finalised as the convenor of the youth-led political party, while Akhtar Hossain has been confirmed as the member secretary.

Additionally, Hasnat Abdullah has been made chief organiser for the southern region, Sarjis Alam the chief organiser for the northern region and Nasiruddin Patwari the chief coordinator.

A joint meeting of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee and Anti-Discrimination Student Movement was held at the central office of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee at Banglamotor in the capital from noon to the afternoon on Thursday.

These decisions were made during the meeting. Four responsible leaders from the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, who participated in the meeting, confirmed the party name and the positions where leadership has been finalized.

Meeting sources revealed that due to multiple candidates for the positions of senior joint convener and senior joint secretary, leadership for these positions has not yet been finalised.

Tomorrow afternoon, the new party will be formally launched at an event at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital, where the names of the individuals nominated for top positions will be announced.​