Bangladeshi students who led the mass protests that ousted Sheikh Hasina’s government last year have launched a new political party ahead of the country’s next general elections. The National Citizens Party (NCP) was officially announced at a rally near parliament in Dhaka on Friday, marking a major shift in the nation’s political landscape.
The party includes key figures from Students Against Discrimination (SAD), the student movement that spearheaded the July uprising against Hasina. Thousands of supporters gathered, donning green-and-red bandanas—the colors of Bangladesh’s national flag—as they cheered for a new political beginning. Documentary screenings revisited the turmoil that led to Hasina’s exit, reinforcing the movement’s mission.
Leading the new party is Nahid Islam, a former adviser in the interim government, now serving as the NCP’s convener. Akhtar Hossain has been appointed as the party’s secretary. “A second republic is now the need of the hour. And for this, we need the constituent assembly election first,” Nahid declared. Akhtar echoed this sentiment, emphasizing their commitment to “social justice and human dignity.”
Among those present was Mohammad Shahin Alam, whose teenage son was killed in last year’s protests. He expressed hope that the new party would ensure justice for bereaved families.
A Party Born from a Movement
The NCP emerges as a youth-driven alternative to the decades-old political dominance of two powerful family dynasties—the Awami League (AL), founded by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), established by military ruler Ziaur Rahman. Hasina, Mujib’s daughter, was forced to seek exile in India after 15 years in power, while Khaleda Zia, widow of Ziaur Rahman, remains in poor health and recently left for medical treatment in London.
In contrast to these long-established parties, the NCP leaders insist their focus is on national unity over division. The party promises transparency, good governance, and an independent foreign policy to move away from ideological battles that have historically shaped Bangladeshi politics. Akhtar highlighted how previous divisions—between secularism and Islamic law or loyalty to Bangladesh vs. Pakistan—have distracted from essential issues such as education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
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In a bold declaration, Nahid Islam rejected foreign allegiances, stating, “There will be no place for pro-India or pro-Pakistan politics in Bangladesh. We will rebuild the state with Bangladesh at the center, keeping the interests of its people first.”
Inspiration and Challenges Ahead
The NCP takes inspiration from global political movements like India’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Pakistan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and Turkey’s Justice and Development Party (AKP). These parties disrupted traditional power structures, and NCP leaders hope to achieve the same in Bangladesh.
However, analysts warn that the party faces significant internal and external challenges. With members spanning leftist, centrist, and conservative ideologies, internal friction could weaken the party’s unity. Moreover, some student leaders, particularly those linked to Jamaat-e-Islami, have accused the party of sidelining them due to their political affiliations.
Ali Ahsan Zonaed and Rafe Salman Rifat, former SAD leaders from Jamaat’s student wing, announced their refusal to join the new party. Nonetheless, Ariful Islam, NCP’s joint secretary, dismissed the idea of a split, suggesting that Jamaat-linked members might be included later.
Despite these internal divisions, the NCP has already engaged nearly 200,000 citizens in shaping its policy direction, focusing on anti-corruption efforts, education reform, and universal healthcare. However, analysts caution that support during an uprising does not always translate into lasting political backing.
Reactions from Established Parties
Initially, Bangladesh’s existing political parties viewed the NCP with suspicion. BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Jamaat Secretary-General Mia Golam Parwar questioned whether it was a state-sponsored political project designed to weaken opposition forces. However, attitudes shifted after Nahid Islam resigned from the interim government.
“We welcome the new party,” said Alamgir. “Since its leader has resigned from the government, we currently have no objections.” Similarly, Jamaat’s Parwar stated, “We want to believe this new political party will introduce a democratic, safe, and inclusive approach.”
For the NCP, the road ahead remains steep. Political analyst Zahed Ur Rahman noted that while the party has gained momentum, its success depends on whether it can remain a cohesive force, avoid ideological conflicts, and translate protest-driven support into electoral strength.
As Bangladesh prepares for its next general elections—expected between late 2025 and early 2026—the NCP’s emergence has introduced a new dynamic into the country’s historically rigid political landscape. Whether it can disrupt the old order or fade into political obscurity remains to be seen.