The Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP) will be launched in Bangladesh on Friday, led by student activists from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement who played a crucial role in the uprising that deposed Sheikh Hasina. The event is expected to draw around 300,000 supporters, including family members of victims from the uprising, and has the backing of interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus. However, the BNP has raised concerns about the neutrality of the interim government amidst this political transition.
Bangladesh is on the brink of witnessing the launch of a new political entity, the Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP), spearheaded by student leaders who were instrumental in the successful 2024 street campaign that resulted in the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The inauguration is scheduled for Friday at Manik Mia Avenue in central Dhaka, where a substantial stage has been set up for the event.
The NCP is primarily led by key figures from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, also recognized as Students Against Discrimination (SAD), which played a pivotal role in the uprising that ended Hasina’s extensive rule on August 5, 2024. In the aftermath of her ousting, Muhammad Yunus assumed the role of Chief Adviser of the Interim Government, stepping in as the effective Prime Minister.
Party leaders anticipate a turnout of approximately 300,000 attendees, including students from across Bangladesh. A spokesperson revealed, “People from all the 64 districts are to join our inauguration alongside the family members of those who gave their lives in the July-August mass uprising,” highlighting the scale of support for the party.
The new political party is expected to receive significant backing from Yunus, who previously served as the SAD nominee. He has been invited to the launch alongside other prominent political figures, including Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Khaleda Zia and her son Tarique Rahman, along with various leaders from Islamic and leftist factions.
Despite the NCP’s aspirations, the BNP has expressed concerns regarding the neutrality of Yunus’ interim administration, especially after he showed support for the student-led organization while serving three advisers from the party. One of the advisers, Nahid Islam, relinquished his position in the information ministry to assume leadership of the NCP amidst allegations that the party was leveraging governmental influence.
The backdrop of this political shift follows a troubling report from the United Nations, which highlighted that police actions during the uprising had resulted in nearly 1,400 fatalities. Recent unrest ignited on February 5, leading to mass protests, attacks on the properties of Awami League members, and widespread property damage across the nation. The crackdown termed ‘Operation Devil Hunt’ has resulted in the arrest of over 8,600 individuals, emphasizing the severe unrest and rising violence in Bangladesh since the government’s fall.
In conclusion, the formation of the Jatiya Nagorik Party marks a notable development in Bangladesh’s political landscape, driven by student activism and significant public support. With backing from key political figures and a controversial relationship with the interim government, the NCP aspires to reshape the nation’s governance following a turbulent period. The upcoming launch event signifies a pivotal moment that could influence the future of Bangladesh’s political dynamics and address pressing social issues.
Original Source: kashmirobserver.net
