A new political party, the National Citizen Party (NCP), led by students, is set to launch in Bangladesh following their role in toppling Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The NCP’s inauguration in Dhaka is expected to draw significant crowds and influential political figures. Concerns about the interim government’s neutrality ahead of the general elections persist amid rising unrest and violent protests in the country.
On Friday, Bangladesh will witness the launch of a new political party led by students, who were pivotal in the 2024 street campaign that successfully ousted the Awami League government under former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The party, named Jatiya Nagorik Party (National Citizen Party or NCP), is prepared to be inaugurated at a large event on Manik Mia Avenue in central Dhaka, organized by key figures of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, also known as Students Against Discrimination (SAD).
The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement mobilized a significant uprising which culminated in the removal of Hasina, who had been in power for over 15 years, on August 5 last year. Following this political change, Mohammad Yunus took office as the Chief Adviser of the Interim government just three days later, assuming effective leadership of the country. NCP representatives anticipate a turnout of approximately 300,000 attendees, including students from all districts of Bangladesh, as well as family members of those who lost their lives during the uprising.
The newly-formed NCP is launching with the support of Chief Adviser Yunus, who was selected as the SAD nominee in August of 2024. Leaders of the party have publicly stated that Yunus has been invited to attend their launch event. High-profile attendees include Khaleda Zia, the chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and several prominent figures from various political factions in Bangladesh.
However, the BNP has raised concerns regarding the impartiality of Yunus’ interim administration, particularly regarding the forthcoming general elections scheduled for December. This skepticism is compounded by the knowledge that three party representatives are serving as advisers in Yunus’ government. Notably, one adviser who led the information ministry, Nahid Islam, recently resigned to lead the NCP, facing criticism about the party’s formation amidst its connection to the interim government.
A recent United Nations report revealed that police actions during the uprising resulted in nearly 1,400 fatalities. Unrest in Bangladesh has surged since protests erupted on February 5, with demonstrators attacking properties associated with the Awami League and its supporters, including perceived affiliates of the party’s founding leaders. In response, the country’s security forces have launched ‘Operation Devil Hunt,’ leading to the arrest of over 8,600 individuals linked to violence and crime, particularly in relation to the uptick in criminal activity across Dhaka, where the incidence of robberies has alarmingly doubled since January of the previous year.
In summary, the planned launch of the National Citizen Party (NCP), spearheaded by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, signifies a notable shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape following the recent ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s government. As the new party seeks to gather support from across the nation, concerns regarding the integrity of the interim government and the influence of existing political structures remain prominent. With significant public interest and expectations for the upcoming elections, the developments surrounding the NCP will be pivotal for Bangladesh’s political future.
Original Source: kashmirobserver.net
