Nahid Islam, a leader in the student movement, has formed the National Citizens Party to pursue reforms after the ousting of Sheikh Hasina. Despite resigning from the interim government, he hopes to maintain the student movement’s momentum for future political influence. The next elections, expected by March, could result in a victory for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party.
In a bid to continue the movement initiated with the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladeshi students have established a new political entity, the National Citizens Party (NCP). Nahid Islam, a prominent student leader and sociology graduate, has taken on the leadership role after resigning from the interim administration. He emphasized that the current political establishment lacks commitment to critical reforms necessary for the nation’s progress.
Nahid Islam, age 27, played a significant role in the Students Against Discrimination campaign, which culminated in the fall of Hasina, who had ruled autocratically for 15 years. Over 800 individuals lost their lives during the uprising, and despite temporary detainment, Nahid remained a steadfast voice for change. Following Hasina’s overthrow, he joined an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
As the leader of the NCP, Nahid has distanced himself from the interim administration tasked with ensuring electoral fairness. With elections anticipated by March, it is expected that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) could emerge victorious. Nahid acknowledged that if they do not secure a government position immediately, the new party promises to remain a lasting influence in Bangladeshi politics for decades to come.
Nahid expressed optimism about the political future, stating, “Nobody knew that there would be an uprising, but it happened. I sincerely hope and I believe that we are going to win this time.” He highlighted that this election is not just a singular event but part of a prolonged struggle for political reform. His aspiration is for the movement to maintain its vigor for generations, stating, “Our target is to sustain this energy for another 50 or 100 or more years.”
In conclusion, the emergence of the National Citizens Party (NCP) under Nahid Islam symbolizes a continuation of the political movement initiated by Bangladeshi students. Nahid’s resignation from the interim government underscores the urgency for reform absent in the current political structure. The aspirations of the NCP reflect a commitment to long-term political engagement aimed at sustained reform, despite the uncertain outcomes of the upcoming elections.
Original Source: www.thenews.com.pk