Protesting students spoke about forming a new political framework alongside the single-point demand for Sheikh Hasina’s removal through a mass uprising. As part of this effort, student leaders who spearheaded the July-August movement announced the formation of a new political party. The party will be managed by the Jatiya Nagorik Committee and young leaders from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. However, extensive discussions are ongoing about the party’s structure and ideological foundation. A survey is also planned to understand public expectations and gather opinions on how a new Bangladesh should look.
Several young leaders involved in forming the party stated that they are working while maintaining international standards and considering the country’s realities. They clarified that the party would not follow the ideology of a single person or political group. Instead, they intend to draw lessons from successful political parties worldwide. Currently, they are analyzing four popular parties from three countries: Turkey’s current President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Justice and Development (AK) Party, Turkey’s historic Justice Party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and India’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The analysis focuses on these parties’ formation histories, ideologies, future plans, goals, mottos, and slogans.
Hasnat Abdullah, Convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, recently announced at a press conference, “We are forming a political party alongside the anti-fascist people of Bangladesh. Unlike in the past, this party won’t impose specific ideals on the people. We want to reconnect with the general public. To understand what people expect from this political party and implement those ideas for the country’s future, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and the Nagorik Committee have launched a nationwide campaign to gather public opinions.”
Highlighting the diversity of opinions among individuals, the student leader said, “We want to embrace the different perspectives and paths of the people of Bangladesh. Our new political party must not become elitist or limited to a specific region, family, or ideology. We are working to ensure that it represents the voice of all people.”
Senior leaders of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee spoke in detail about why they are studying political parties from other countries to form a new one. They explained, “These parties have transformed their respective political cultures, with their influence spreading globally. The goal is to draw lessons from them to reshape Bangladesh’s political landscape. One key takeaway from Pakistan’s PTI is how a small political force quickly gained immense popularity. The focus is on understanding the chemistry between the party and the people, as well as the political changes that led to Imran Khan’s success. India’s Aam Aadmi Party has a strong structure. Its leadership includes Indian citizens with advanced degrees from prestigious institutions like Oxford and Harvard. The party also engages significant youth participation. Their strategies for attracting educated young people will be analyzed to shape the new student-led political movement. Turkey’s AK Party under Erdogan offers valuable lessons in branding and nationwide outreach. Its strategies for electoral campaigns and connecting with young, liberal-minded Muslims in a Muslim-majority country are being evaluated. As for the Justice Party, its organizational structure is being carefully examined.”
Despite the formation of the new party, the Jatiya Nagorik Committee and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement will continue to function as independent platforms to uphold the spirit of the July Revolution. According to student leaders, the purpose of the new party is to engage grassroots and marginalized communities in political processes and represent the aspirations of all citizens.
The student leaders expressed a desire to steer clear of submissive foreign policies. Ali Ahsan Junayed, Joint Convener of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, told Bonik Barta, “The people of Bangladesh want to see their democratic aspirations and anti-fascist struggle materialize through a new political party. We are striving to unite people from all social classes. This new political party will not follow a submissive foreign policy. We seek to develop an independent and sovereign foreign policy.”
The name of the new party has not yet been finalized. According to the leaders, the party’s declaration is currently being drafted. The name will be decided and announced based on public opinion. Initially, a convening committee of 150 to 200 members may be formed. Most members agree on Nahid Islam as the party head or convener. However, as he is currently in government, they are waiting for his consent and official clearance. Akhtar Hossain is the top choice for member secretary, currently holding the same position in the Jatiya Nagorik Committee. Nonetheless, several other names are being considered for the role. As for the party symbol, opinions vary. Some suggest a rickshaw, while others propose the hilsa fish. This decision, too, will be based on public preference, which may take another couple of weeks.
Regarding membership eligibility, Ariful Islam Adib, joint convener of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, told Bonik Barta, “All members must comply with state regulations and our party’s policies. Whether an adviser or a high-ranking official, everyone must follow the rules. An adviser cannot be a member while holding that position. They must step down first.”
Addressing women’s representation, Samanta Sharmin, spokesperson for the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, said, “If women are not seen in the front lines of a political party, it indicates that we are lagging in establishing a new political framework. Currently, women hold at least 25 percent of positions across various forums and committees of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, including local and central levels. However, we do not view women’s participation as mere percentages or quotas. We focus on fostering their leadership. Quotas and reserved seats can undermine true female leadership.”
The formation of the new party will be guided by public opinion. Consultations will be sought from 100,000 people online and another 100,000 offline. Online participants will answer multiple-choice questions via Google Forms. Nasiruddin Patwary, convener of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, told Bonik Barta, “Everyone’s participation in political parties is essential, but that hasn’t happened in the past 53 years. We will reach out to marginalized communities and gather their opinions. Democracy is often seen as just the process of casting and collecting votes. But we don’t want to limit ourselves to just that. We want to ensure transparency and accountability.”