Bangladeshi Student Leader Establishes New Party to Pursue Political Reforms

Bangladeshi student leader Nahid Islam has founded the National Citizens Party (NCP) to pursue reforms initiated during the uprising that ousted Sheikh Hasina. Resigning from the interim government, Nahid emphasizes his commitment to the ongoing political changes and aims to sustain this momentum for generations to come.

In Bangladesh, a new political entity named the National Citizens Party (NCP) has been established by students who played a pivotal role in the recent uprising against the former premier Sheikh Hasina. The leader of this group, Nahid Islam, a 27-year-old sociology graduate and prominent figure in the campaign ‘Students Against Discrimination,’ is determined to pursue the goals initiated during the mass protests that led to Hasina’s downfall.

Nahid Islam resigned from the interim administration last week, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive reforms that he believes the current political establishment lacks the commitment to enforce. He stated, “They were not even interested in the reforms for which young people sacrificed their lives.” With the formation of the NCP, he expressed a desire to fulfill the promises made during the uprising.

The uprising, which resulted in over 800 casualties, saw Nahid briefly detained alongside other student leaders as authorities attempted to quell the protests. Following Hasina’s ousting, he accepted a position in the interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, yet found it vital to step down to lead the NCP.

As Bangladesh approaches elections, scheduled for March of next year, it is anticipated that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) will emerge victoriously. Nevertheless, Nahid believes that the NCP is a significant political force poised for long-term influence, stating, “Nobody knew that there would be an uprising, but it happened.” He remains hopeful about the upcoming election and asserts that it marks the beginning of a sustained political engagement for future generations.

In summary, Nahid Islam and the newly formed National Citizens Party aim to continue the momentum of the student-led uprising against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. By advocating for essential reforms and engaging in the imminent electoral process, they seek to establish a lasting influence in Bangladeshi politics. Despite challenges, Nahid’s commitment to the cause underscores a broader desire for sustained political engagement among the youth in Bangladesh.

Original Source: www.thenews.com.pk