National Citizen Party launched
The newly launched political party, the National Citizen Party (NCP), led by Students Against Discrimination and initiated by the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, has been officially launched as Convenor Nahid Islam read out the party's declaration.
Mim Akhter, sister of a July martyr Ismail Hossain Rabbi, announced the top leadership of the central committee at the inauguration rally this evening on Manik Mia Avenue, in front of the National Parliament Building in Dhaka.
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Earlier, Nahid Islam was appointed as the convenor of the new political party, while Akhter Hossen will serve as the member secretary, making him Nahid's second-in-command.
Akhter Hossen was serving as the member secretary of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, the civic platform led by the July uprising leaders.
The top leadership of the Jatiya Nagorik Party, including those dubbed as the 'super 10' stepped on to the stage at the capital's Manik Mia Avenue ending months of speculation and anticipation about the launch of a new political party.
A former cabinet member of the interim government, Nahid was a key coordinator of the Students Against Discrimination which led the student uprising that ousted the previous regime. He arrived at around 5:07pm.
Nahid Islam had resigned as the information adviser on February 24 to lead this new political party.
The other top leaders how have taken the stage with him include Hasnat Abdullah, Sarjis Alam, Samanta Shermeen, Nasiruddin Patwari and Akhter Hossen.
Akhter Hossen has been serving as the member secretary of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, the civic platform led by the July uprising leaders.
He announced the names of the other key leaders. The senior joint convenors are Samanta Shermeen and Ariful Islam Adib, while Dr Tasnim Zara and Nahida Sarwar (Niva) will assume the roles of senior joint member secretaries.
Additionally, Nasiruddin Patwari has been appointed as the chief coordinator, while Abdul Hannan Masud will serve as the joint coordinator.
Hasnat Abdullah has been designated as the chief organiser (Southern Region), while Sarjis Alam has been assigned the role of chief organiser (Northern Region).
The inauguration programme kicked off with recitation from holy scriptures at around 4:20pm followed by a rendition of the national anthem.
It was followed a minute of silence in memory of the martyrs of the July uprising.
Thousands of people, particularly students, started gathering at the capital's Manik Mia Avenue to witness the launch of a new political party, Jatiya Nagorik Party, spearheaded by the youth-led movement Students Against Discrimination (SAD).
Enthusiastic supporters have been arriving since morning, with many travelling from different districts by bus to take part in what they believe to be a historic moment.
Abdul Hannan, a college student from Halishahar, Chattogram, reached the venue with 27 others on a bus.
Expressing his optimism, he said, "I support SAD. I came here to attend the inauguration because I believe they will build a new Bangladesh, free from discrimination."
He further emphasised the need for fresh political leadership to bring meaningful change.
In addition to Hannan's group, nine more buses brought people from different parts of Chattogram, Bangladesh second-largest city.
Md Rakib Hossain, a university student from Khulna, also made the journey with ten others.
"Following the mass uprising, we now have an unprecedented opportunity to build a new Bangladesh. I travelled all the way from Khulna to express my support for this party, as they give us hope for change," he said.
Shafiqul Islam, a resident of Kalabagan in Dhaka, shared his perspective, calling the event a historic moment.
"Those who played a role in toppling Sheikh Hasina's government are now forming a political party. This is undoubtedly a significant development for the country. I am here to support this student-led movement," he said.
When asked about his expectations from the new party, he said, "I want this party to be truly pro-people, advocating the welfare of the masses, eliminating corruption, ensuring an independent judiciary, and establishing a discrimination-free society. If they can achieve these goals, people will welcome them with open arms."
A large stage has been set up at the venue, and hundreds of chairs have been arranged to accommodate guests.
A significant number of megaphones are also in place to make sure a large crowd may hear the speeches clearly.
Security has been tightened, with a notable presence of police personnel at the venue.
Additionally, BPG security guards have been stationed in front of the stage, while two firefighting units are on standby in the vicinity to ensure safety.
As anticipation builds, supporters await the official announcement and roadmap of the Jatiya Nagorik Party, which they hope will bring a new era of inclusive and progressive politics in Bangladesh.
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