DE Online Desk:
The country’s first student-led political party, the Jatiya Nagorik Party (National Citizen’s Party-NCP), is set to launch Friday. The initiative is being led by the National Citizen’s Committee (NCC) and the Anti-discrimination Students Movement (ADSM).
The decision was made on Thursday, February 27, during a joint meeting of the NCC and ADSM at the NCC’s central office in Rupayan Tower, Banglamotor, from noon to the afternoon. Formed by students and young activists, the party has appointed Nahid Islam as the Convener and Akhter Hossen as the Member Secretary.
Additionally, Nasiruddin Patwari has been named Chief Coordinator, Samantha Sharmin as Senior Joint Convenor, Hasnat Abdullah as Chief Organiser for the southern region, Sarjis Alam as Chief Organiser for the northern region, Abdul Hannan Masud as Joint Coordinator, and Saleh Uddin Sifat as Office Secretary.
Meeting sources indicate that leadership for some positions remains undecided due to multiple candidates vying for the role of Senior Joint Secretary. Potential contenders for this position include Tasnim Zara, Nahida Sarwar Niba, Monira Sharmin, and Nusrat Tabassum.
Officially launched at Manik Mia Avenue
On Friday afternoon, the new party will be officially launched at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital, where the names of the nominated leaders for top positions will be announced. The new political party’s proposed 150-170-member convening committee initially suggested Nasiruddin Patwari as Joint Convenor and Akhtar Hossain as Member Secretary.
In the party’s month-long public opinion survey, the top eight proposed names for the party were Biplobi Jonota Songram Party, Jatiya Biplobi Shakti, Boishomyo Birodhi Nagorik Andolon, Bangladesh Nagorik Dal, Jatiya Nagorik Committee, Chhatra-Jonota Party, Jatiya Jonoshokti Party, and Jatiya Nagorik Shakti. The survey also suggested the clenched fist, elephant, tiger, and hilsa fish as potential party symbols.
Around 10,000 members have joined 400 committees nationwide. By February 22, key positions such as Coordinator, Member Secretary, Spokesperson, Chief Organiser, Senior Joint Convenor, and Senior Joint Member Secretary were finalised, with discussions about expanding top-tier positions from six to eight.
The party aims for an inclusive structure, prioritising youth representation, with half of the convening committee drawn from the Anti-discrimination Students Movement and the National Citizen’s Committee. Discussions also considered creating a Chief Coordinator position for Nasiruddin Patwari, ranking below the top convenor and member secretary.
A 24-member core committee may also be formed. Beyond students, the party is expected to include retired military officers, lawyers, former government officials, and businesspeople, carefully assessing ideological influences. Funding will be secured through monthly member contributions and crowdfunding.
Several political parties have accused the interim government of sponsoring the formation of a new party. On January 30, 2025, Nahid Islam stated that he would resign from his government position before joining politics.
On the same day, Chief Adviser and economist Muhammad Yunus expressed support for students forming a new political party, despite concerns that internal divisions might weaken their efforts. He emphasised that they should continue their work while being mindful of potential fragmentation.
Internal conflicts arose over the post of Member Secretary, with Akhter Hossein, Nasiruddin Patwary, and Sarjis Alam being considered. Although Akhter Hossen was selected in principle, disputes emerged between his supporters and those of former Islami Chhatra Shibir member Ali Ahsan Junayed. Allegations also surfaced that Mahfuz Alam attempted to influence the position, though his supporters denied this.