The political landscape of Bangladesh is set to witness a historic shift with the launch of a student-led political party, the National Citizen Party (NCP), on Friday.
This party emerges from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, also known as Students Against Discrimination (SAD), which played a crucial role in the mass uprising that led to the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League government in August 2024.
The new party’s launch at Manik Mia Avenue in central Dhaka marks the beginning of a new political era, one that seeks to challenge the traditional political establishment and represent the voice of the youth and marginalized communities.
A Movement Born from Unrest
The roots of the NCP can be traced back to the growing dissatisfaction among students and youth groups in Bangladesh. The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement gained momentum in early 2024 as young activists protested against policies they deemed discriminatory and oppressive.
The protests intensified in July and August, culminating in the mass uprising that ultimately forced Sheikh Hasina out of office after more than 15 years in power. The movement’s success led to the formation of an interim government under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus, who took charge as the Chief Adviser on August 8, 2024.
Since its inception, SAD has been vocal about issues such as social justice, economic disparity, and political accountability. Its leaders have consistently criticized the Awami League’s governance, accusing the party of suppressing dissent, mishandling economic policies, and failing to address corruption.
The youth-led protests not only highlighted the growing frustration of the younger generation but also demonstrated their ability to mobilize large sections of the population.
The uprising, however, was not without bloodshed. A recent UN fact-finding report revealed that nearly 1,400 lives were lost due to police actions and violent clashes during the protests.
The scale of the violence further fueled anti-government sentiment, pushing the protesters to demand immediate political change. The ousting of Sheikh Hasina’s government paved the way for an interim administration, and the formation of the NCP is seen as a continuation of the movement’s political aspirations.
The Formation of the National Citizen Party (NCP)
The National Citizen Party’s launch event in Dhaka is expected to attract a massive turnout, with organizers anticipating around 300,000 people from across Bangladesh.
According to NCP leaders, people from all 64 districts, along with families of those who lost their lives in the protests, will participate in the inauguration ceremony. The party’s spokesperson emphasized that the launch event is not just a political gathering but a tribute to the sacrifices made by student activists and protesters.
The NCP enjoys the backing of Muhammad Yunus, the current Chief Adviser of the interim government, who has been a staunch advocate for student-led governance.
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His endorsement has provided legitimacy to the new party, although it has also raised questions about the neutrality of the interim administration. Critics argue that Yunus’ open support for the NCP undermines his position as a non-partisan leader, particularly since three of his advisers have been closely involved with the student movement.
One of these advisers, Nahid Islam, who previously held the position of Information Minister, resigned earlier this week to take charge of the NCP. This move has intensified allegations that the party is leveraging its connections within the interim government to establish itself as a dominant political force ahead of the upcoming general elections in December 2025.
Despite these criticisms, the NCP maintains that it is an independent entity committed to democratic principles. The party has extended invitations to major political leaders, including BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, her son Tarique Rahman, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, and Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shafiqur Rahman.
By reaching out to a broad spectrum of political figures, the NCP aims to position itself as an inclusive party willing to collaborate with various factions for the country’s progress.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
While the formation of the NCP marks a significant milestone in Bangladesh’s political evolution, the party faces several challenges. One of the most pressing issues is the skepticism surrounding its independence.
The BNP and other opposition parties have expressed concerns that the NCP is being used as a tool to manipulate the electoral landscape in favor of the interim government. This perception could hinder the party’s ability to gain widespread support, particularly among older voters who remain loyal to traditional political parties.
Another major challenge is the volatile security situation in Bangladesh. Since February 5, 2025, the country has witnessed a resurgence of violence, with protesters targeting properties associated with the Awami League.
The destruction of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s residence and attacks on Awami League leaders’ homes and businesses indicate deep-seated resentment against the previous government. In response, security forces have launched ‘Operation Devil Hunt,’ a crackdown that has resulted in the arrest of over 8,600 individuals suspected of links to criminal activities under the previous regime.
This turbulent environment poses a significant risk for the NCP, as it must navigate a politically charged atmosphere while ensuring that its members and supporters do not become targets of state repression.
Additionally, the party must work towards establishing a clear ideological stance that differentiates it from existing political entities. While its roots in the student movement provide it with a strong foundation, the NCP needs to articulate a comprehensive policy framework addressing economic reform, social justice, and governance.
The upcoming general elections in December will be a litmus test for the NCP’s viability as a political force. The party’s ability to secure electoral success will depend on its organizational strength, its capacity to appeal to a diverse electorate, and its ability to withstand political pressures from established parties.
The involvement of youth in mainstream politics presents an opportunity to redefine Bangladesh’s political landscape, but it also requires strategic planning and coalition-building to ensure long-term sustainability.
As the NCP embarks on its political journey, it carries the hopes and aspirations of thousands who took to the streets demanding change. Whether it can translate these aspirations into effective governance remains to be seen, but its emergence signals a shift towards a more dynamic and youth-driven political environment in Bangladesh.
The party’s success or failure will not only shape the country’s immediate future but also determine the role of student-led movements in South Asian politics in the years to come.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏