Bangladesh Readies for Launch of Student-Led Political Party Amidst Unrest
Bangladesh is preparing for the launch of the Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP), led by students from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, who contributed to the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Scheduled for Friday in Dhaka, the event expects around 300,000 attendees. The party has garnered attention from various political figures amid concerns over the new government’s impartiality following significant unrest and violence in the country.
On Friday, Bangladesh is poised to see the launch of a new political party spearheaded by students who played a pivotal role in the 2024 street demonstrations that culminated in the removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government. The party, named the Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP) or National Citizen Party, will be inaugurated at Manik Mia Avenue in central Dhaka by leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, collectively known as Students Against Discrimination (SAD).
The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement catalyzed a mass uprising that led to Hasina’s overthrow in August 2024, following over 15 years of her leadership. In the wake of the upheaval, Muhammad Yunus was appointed as the Chief Adviser of the Interim Government, effectively taking on the role of prime minister. NCP officials have projected a turnout of approximately 300,000 attendees, including students from all 64 districts, for their launch event.
The NCP has issued invitations to notable figures from various political parties, including Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Khaleda Zia and her son, acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman. Concerns have been voiced by the BNP regarding the impartiality of Yunus’s interim administration, particularly given its support for this student-led initiative while BNP representatives serve as advisers in the government. Amid this context, Nahid Islam, an adviser overseeing the information ministry, recently stepped down to lead the NCP.
The ongoing unrest in Bangladesh also follows events from February 5, which saw protests that resulted in significant violence, including the arson of the residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the nation’s founding father. Approximately 1400 deaths were attributed to police actions during the turmoil, as security forces conducted a wide-ranging crackdown named ‘Operation Devil Hunt’, resulting in the arrest of over 8,600 individuals linked to the former regime. This crackdown has occurred against the backdrop of rising crime rates in Dhaka and increasing public discontent.
In summary, the upcoming launch of the Jatiya Nagorik Party marks a significant political development in Bangladesh, reflecting the influence of student-led movements in shaping the nation’s political landscape. With substantial public support anticipated for the event, it also raises questions regarding the stability and neutrality of the current interim government. The evolving situation underlines the complexities of Bangladesh’s political climate amidst ongoing unrest and social upheavals.
Original Source: kashmirobserver.net
