Motaher Hossain

A new political party has emerged in Bangladesh with the spirit of the July Uprising. The formation of the 'National Citizens' Party' (NCP) has sparked various discussions and speculations about its future. The key question remains: To what extent will the activities, street movements, and struggles of this newly formed party reflect public aspirations, unlike the existing political parties? Political analysts argue that many of the current parties have failed to truly realize public expectations and have instead served their leaders' interests and personal ambitions. This has led to a severe crisis of public trust and confidence in political parties and their leaders.

This new team has immense potential ahead, but it also faces significant challenges. Moreover, as a youth-driven group, it needs to sharpen and accelerate the strength, intelligence, and enthusiasm of its young members by integrating experienced, wise, and senior individuals—something that has not yet been visibly achieved.

Additionally, the party must take its policies, ideals, and agendas to the grassroots level and actively engage with the common people. A firm commitment is necessary when it comes to the spirit of the great Liberation War, independence, language, and the sovereignty of the motherland. Unlike other political parties that engage in a culture of vengeance and retaliation, this team should embrace tolerance, show respect for differing opinions and ideologies, and maintain a more inclusive and patient approach.

Amid such a scenario, the birth of NCP, driven by the spirit of the mass uprising with promises of a 'New Constitution, New Revolution, and Second Republic,' raises curiosity about its future. It is best left to time to determine whether the party can fulfill its promises, as the saying goes: "Let the birth be anywhere, but let the work be good." While many political parties in the past have been established with various ideals, they have often failed to deliver something new to the people. Consequently, these parties have turned into mere names, centered around individuals rather than ideology. The NCP must break free from this cycle and remain vigilant and committed to fulfilling public expectations.

The party, formed by the frontline leaders of the July Uprising, officially launched with a declaration by its convenor, Nahid Islam. After much anticipation, the new student-led political party, NCP, has finally made its debut. Leaders of the party have asserted that they will be 'Bangladesh-centric' rather than being influenced by any foreign powers. Their goal is to establish a 'Second Republic' by drafting a new constitution through a Constituent Assembly election before a parliamentary election. This objective was laid out in the party’s declaration, which originates from the student leadership that led the mass uprising against Sheikh Hasina's regime.

On Friday, the NCP was formally launched through a massive gathering at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital. The party, born from the student and public uprising, emphasized that there is no place for India-aligned or Pakistan-aligned politics in Bangladesh. Their slogans included "Inquilab Zindabad" (Long Live the Revolution) and the famous war cry of Bangladesh’s liberation movement, "Your country, my country—Bangladesh, Bangladesh."

The NCP leaders demanded a Constituent Assembly election before a parliamentary one to draft a new constitution. They envision a republic where social justice is ensured, where political leadership is chosen based on merit and competence rather than familial lineage. They strongly opposed any external influence, particularly from India, in determining Bangladesh’s governance. The slogans from the recent mass uprising—"Power to the people, people, people!" and "No compromise, only struggle!"—were echoed at the event.

The gathering stretched from the main stage to adjacent areas, covering nearly a kilometer from Asad Gate to Khejurbagan. NCP leaders claimed that hundreds of thousands of people attended their launch. Unlike other political rallies, the presence of women was notably high, with a significant number of young women and teenagers participating. Many families, including parents with their children, were also seen at the event. Thousands of activists from across the country arrived in buses to attend the grand gathering. The party is a collaborative effort of two platforms—'Anti-Discrimination Student Movement' and the 'National Citizen Committee.' Leaders of the 'Democratic Student Parliament,' which was established on February 26, also attended the NCP launch event.

The event began with readings from the Holy Quran, the Bhagavad Gita, the Bible, and the Tripitaka, followed by the national anthem and a moment of silence in memory of the martyrs of the July Uprising. The parents and family members of the martyrs also addressed the gathering. The party’s name and leadership structure were announced by Mim Akter, the sister of martyr Ismail Hossain Rabbi. Akhtar Hossain later announced the partial committee, including:

Nahid Islam – Convenor, Akhtar Hossain – Member Secretary, Samanta Sharmin & Ariful Islam Adib – Joint Convenors, Dr. Tasnim Zara & Nahida Sarwar Nibha – Senior Joint Member Secretaries, Hasnat Abdullah – Chief Organizer (Southern Region), Sarjis Alam – Chief Organizer (Northern Region), Muhammad Nasiruddin Patwari – Chief Coordinator. Abdul Hannan Masud – Senior Joint Chief Coordinator. A 151-member full committee was also announced later.

Nahid Islam, who led the historic one-point demand for Sheikh Hasina’s resignation on August 3 from the Shaheed Minar, gave a speech with the national flag tied around his head. He stated that there is no place for pro-India or pro-Pakistan politics in Bangladesh. Instead, the country must be built for and by its people. He emphasized moving beyond the past and focusing on a promising future. Raising the July Uprising slogan "Who are you? Who am I? Alternative, Alternative!", he declared that the party represents a true alternative for the people. He also vowed that Bangladesh will not be divided. The party’s declaration emphasized that the July Uprising marks the beginning of the fight to establish the Second Republic. The call was made to draft a new democratic constitution to eliminate the threat of constitutional autocracy.

Akhtar Hossain reiterated that justice must be served against those responsible for the July massacre, stating that the demand for a new constitution has become a reality. Samanta Sharmin pointed out that, for 53 years, Bangladesh has been trapped in a binary choice between two dominant parties. The people now demand a society free from corruption, terrorism, and extortion. Hasnat Abdullah stated that on August 5, they buried the era of tyranny and that the people, not foreign powers, will determine who governs Bangladesh. Sarjis Alam warned that if major political parties do not allow smaller ones to rise, dictatorship could return.

Nasiruddin acknowledged those who supported the movement and called for unity beyond political divisions. Nausher Ali, the father of six-year-old Jabir Ibrahim, who was a victim of state violence, expressed hope that the NCP would safeguard the nation’s future. Mothers of martyrs like Farida Begum shared their emotional hopes that the new party would lead the country toward a corruption-free, just society.

The launch of NCP signals the beginning of a new political order in Bangladesh, one shaped by the aspirations of the youth and the sacrifices of the July Uprising. The expectation remains that this new party will deliver a nation free of discrimination, exploitation, and corruption while fighting for justice and equity.

The writer is a, Journalist, General Secretary – Bangladesh Climate Change Journalists' Forum