Dhaka: A new political force has emerged in Bangladesh as student activists who played a key role in last year’s protests that led to the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina launched a party to contest upcoming elections.
The newly formed Jatiya Nagorik Party (National Citizens' Party) aims to provide an alternative political option in a country long dominated by rival factions. The group behind the movement, Students Against Discrimination (SAD), initially began protesting against public sector job quotas but soon spearheaded a nationwide uprising. The demonstrations ultimately forced Hasina to leave for India in August 2024.
Since then, SAD leaders have been working to transition into mainstream politics. Their efforts culminated in Friday’s formal launch of the new party, which saw thousands of supporters—many draped in Bangladesh’s red and green national colors—gathering in front of the parliament building in Dhaka.
Nahid Islam, a prominent student leader who had been serving as an adviser in the interim government, resigned from his role earlier this week to lead the Jatiya Nagorik Party as its convener. Addressing the crowd, Islam emphasized the party’s commitment to democratic reforms and national interests.
"We will prioritize Bangladesh and its people as we work toward building a better future," he declared, with a national flag wrapped around his forehead. He also announced the party’s goal of drafting a new democratic constitution through an elected constituent assembly.
The interim government, currently led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, took charge after Hasina's departure.
Bangladesh, a nation of 170 million people, has been facing ongoing political unrest, with over 1,000 casualties reported during last year’s protests. Opposition parties have been calling for early elections and a return to democratic governance.
While Yunus has stated that elections could take place by the end of 2025, he has expressed no interest in running for office. Political analysts suggest that the youth-led Jatiya Nagorik Party could significantly disrupt the long-standing political landscape, which has been dominated for decades by the Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party.
