Thursday 17 April 2025
Jatiya Nagorik Party: A New Dawn in Bangladesh’s Political Landscape
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The student leaders who spearheaded last years mass uprising that led to former Bangladesh Prime Minister, Awami Leagues Sheikh Hasina, have now officially launched a new political party, the Jatiya Nagorik Party (National Citizen Party). This youth-led party, formed yesterday aims to rebuild the state with a focus on national interests and the well-being of Bangladeshi citizens.
The Launch of NCP
A grand stage was set up at Dhakas Manik Mia Avenue, where the launch of the NCP was attended by a massive crowd of supporters.The Dhaka Tribunereported around 300,000 people from all 64 districts, including students, political leaders, and family members of those who lost their lives during the July-August 2024 uprising. The movement, known as Students Against Discrimination, was instrumental in dismantling Hasinas fifteen-year rule, culminating in her removal on August 5, 2024.
At the launch event, Nahid Islam, who had famously called for Hasinas resignation a day before her ouster, announced his resignation from the Interim governments advisory council to assume leadership as the convener of NCP. Other uprising leaders have also taken key roles in the partys central committee, cementing its reputation as a youth-driven political force.
We want to talk about the future. We want to move beyond the past and discuss the possibilities of Bangladesh, Nahid Islam declared to the enthusiastic crowd. He emphasized that divisive politicswhether pro-India or pro-Pakistanwould have no place in the nations new political landscape.
Reaffirming the partys stance, Islam read the partys declaration, which traced Bangladeshs historical struggles and the need for systemic change following the uprising. He denounced the former regimes repressive policies, including enforced disappearances and rampant corruption, and underscored the partys commitment to establishing a second republic through an elected constitutional assembly.
The event featured prayers from the Quran, Gita, Tripitaka, and Bible, followed by the national anthem and a moment of silence for the martyrs of the July uprising. Leaders delivered powerful speeches emphasizing the need for a functional democracy, an independent judiciary, and an end to dynastic politics.
Hasnat Abdullah, a senior party leader, vowed to eradicate family-dominated leadership structures, stating that political meritocracy should replace hereditary rule. He also emphasized that freedom of expression and tolerance for dissent must become foundational principles of the new Bangladesh.
Foreign policy was another major theme, with leaders asserting that while Bangladesh would maintain cordial international relations, governance decisions would be made solely by the Bangladeshi people.
The launch of NCP has sent shockwaves through Bangladeshs political landscape. The partys formation signifies a major realignment, with various opposition figures and organizations attending the event, including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and other smaller political groups. Representatives from the Vatican and Pakistans diplomatic missions were also present, highlighting the international interest in Bangladeshs changing political dynamics.
Meanwhile, the country remains tense following the February 5 unrest, during which protesters demolished the residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, coinciding with Sheikh Hasinas virtual address to Indian students. The subsequent crackdown, dubbed Operation Devil Hunt, has led to the arrest of over 8,600 individuals, many linked to the ousted government.
A recentUN fact-finding reportestimated that nearly 1,400 people lost their lives during the uprising and the ensuing violence, marking one of the most tumultuous periods in Bangladeshs history.
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17-04-2025
