Bangladeshi students have founded a new political party, the National Citizens Party (NCP), led by Nahid Islam. This initiative follows the uprising that ousted Sheikh Hasina, driven by the pursuit of significant political reforms. Nahid emphasizes the need for continuity in the movement’s goals, aiming to influence Bangladesh’s political future for decades despite immediate electoral challenges.
In the aftermath of the 2022 uprising that successfully unseated ex-premier Sheikh Hasina, Bangladeshi students have now established a new political entity, the National Citizens Party (NCP), with the intention of continuing the reforms initiated during the protests. The leader of this movement, Nahid Islam, aged 27, emphasized that the prevailing political structures fail to address the significant reforms demanded by the youth.
Nahid Islam, notably a key figure in the youth-led protest movement known as Students Against Discrimination, recently resigned from the interim government established post-uprising to lead the NCP. He articulated a pressing need for reform, asserting that the political elite has shown little interest in the sacrifices made by young individuals during the uprising.
During the protests, over 800 individuals lost their lives, and Nahid, along with other student leaders, faced detainment in attempts to quell the protests. Following Hasina’s ousting, he briefly joined the interim administration headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, but his commitment to lead the NCP led to his departure from that role.
With elections slated for March next year, Nahid remains optimistic about influencing Bangladeshi politics despite any immediate setbacks in forming a government. He expressed confidence in his movement, stating, “Nobody knew that there would be an uprising, but it happened.” His aspirations extend far beyond the upcoming elections, envisioning a political movement that will endure for decades.
Nahid articulated a vision that encompasses longevity beyond current political cycles, stating, “Our target is to sustain this energy for another 50 or 100 or more years.” He remains focused on the mission of the NCP while urging fellow activists to maintain their momentum for future generations.
Nahid Islam’s establishment of the National Citizens Party signifies a continuation of the revolutionary spirit sparked by the recent uprising in Bangladesh. His commitment to ensuring meaningful political reform reflects the aspirations of a disenfranchised youth demographic. As he sets his sights on the upcoming elections, his vision of lasting political influence underscores a new chapter in Bangladesh’s political landscape, aiming to prioritize youth engagement and reform over status quo politics.
Original Source: www.thenews.com.pk
