Bangladesh soon have a new political party

Bangladeshi students who led last year’s mass protests against then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina are preparing to launch a new political party this week. Here are the key details and developments:

Background

The movement, spearheaded by the group Students Against Discrimination (SAD), began as protests against job quota systems but escalated into a nationwide uprising. This led to Sheikh Hasina fleeing to India in August 2024 amidst widespread unrest and accusations of human rights violations by her government1.
The protests were marked by significant violence, with over a thousand deaths reported, according to UN human rights bodies1.

The New Political Party

The party is expected to be officially launched during an event on Wednesday, February 26, 20251.
Nahid Islam, a prominent student leader and current adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, is likely to serve as the party’s convener1.
The initiative is being jointly organized by SAD and the National Citizens’ Committee (NCC), both of which played central roles in last year’s uprising2.

Goals and Vision

The new party aims to establish a centrist, inclusive political platform focused on addressing unemployment, economic development, and national unity. It seeks to fundamentally transform Bangladesh’s political system, moving away from authoritarianism and state oppression2 3.
Leaders have emphasized issue-based politics and inclusivity, particularly for women and youth, who have been historically underrepresented in Bangladeshi politics2.

Challenges

Leadership Disputes: Internal disagreements over leadership selection and party structure have delayed final decisions on the manifesto, constitution, and organizational framework. Concerns about non-democratic processes in leadership appointments have been raised by some members3.
Suspicion from Established Parties: Major political parties like the BNP have expressed skepticism about the new party’s independence, accusing it of potential ties to state intelligence agencies. However, NCC leaders have denied these allegations2.
Public Expectations: A public survey conducted by the organizers revealed strong support for themes like anti-discrimination and citizen-focused governance but highlighted the need for transparency in decision-making processes3.

Political Context

Bangladesh’s political landscape has long been dominated by two major parties—the Awami League (AL) and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). With Hasina’s ouster and many AL leaders in exile or prison, there is a significant power vacuum that this new party seeks to fill2.
The NCC has already established committees in 200 out of 495 sub-districts (upazilas) as part of its grassroots mobilization efforts ahead of elections expected in late 2025 or early 20262.

Future Prospects

The new student-led party represents a generational shift in Bangladeshi politics. Its success will depend on its ability to resolve internal conflicts, maintain transparency, and effectively address the aspirations of a politically disenchanted populace. If successful, it could reshape the country’s political dynamics by breaking the decades-long dominance of traditional parties.

Bangladesh soon have a new political party