The Students Against Discrimination and Jatiya Nagorik Committee-led political party will be launched at the capital's Manik Mia Avenue at 3:00pm on Friday.

All details of the convening committee, including the names of its members, will be announced at the launch.

Leaders from both platforms confirmed the decisions at a press conference at the Nagorik Committee office in Bangla Motor yesterday.

Sarjis Alam, chief organiser of Jatiya Nagorik Committee, said, "It's our duty to continue the struggle that began with the July uprising and present to future generations the Bangladesh we dream of. With that in mind, the Students Against Discrimination and Jatiya Nagorik Committee are preparing to launch a new political party. At 3:00pm on February 28, we will formally announce the emergence of this new party at Manik Mia."

Sarjis added that the formation of a strong political party is the most significant demand for this "new Bangladesh."

"Over the past seven months since the uprising, our biggest realisation was that our dreams for a new Bangladesh require a long and arduous struggle."

In his speech, Akhter Hossen, member secretary of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, confirmed that the initial announcement would include the convening committee of the new party.

"We'll provide details about the leadership and committee members in a press release on the day of the launch. We're still in discussions and are making consensus-based decisions."

At the first preparatory meeting on February 19, key leaders asked the uprising activists to prepare for a February 26 launch.

However, at another meeting last night, they decided to launch the party on Friday, a weekend, to ensure the public do not suffer traffic chaos.

Adviser Nahid Islam is almost certain to be the convener of the new party, but there is still a dispute over the member secretary post.

Akhter is likely to be appointed as the party's member secretary, with Sarjis and Hasnat Abdullah possibly assuming the roles of chief organiser and spokesperson, respectively.

Former DU Shibir president Ali Ahsan Zonaed may assume the position of senior joint convener, while Nasiruddin Patwary, convener of the Nagorik Committee, is in line to be the senior joint member secretary.

Former Shibir activists are pushing to see Zonaed, also an executive member of the Nagorik Committee, as the party's second-in-command.

Sources said the uprising leaders are considering additional top posts to accommodate former Shibir members and prevent a potential split within the party.

The Jatiya Nagorik Committee, a citizens' platform formed after the July uprising, has split into three factions over the top posts of the new political party's convening committee, according to insiders.

One faction includes SAD leaders, who were previously affiliated with Ganatantrik Chhatra Shakti and Chhatra Odhikar Parishad.

The second faction is made up of former leftist activists, while the third comprises former members of Islami Chhatra Shibir, as reported by three senior leaders of the civic platform.

To minimise discord, the leaders are considering increasing the number of top posts to ensure that all factions are well represented in the new party.

PARTY NAME, SYMBOL

Citing a public opinion survey titled "New Bangladesh Through Your Eyes," Akhter Hossen shared that more than two lakh people from all walks of life participated in the campaign, which ran from February 5 to 15.

"Many suggestions have been made about the party's name. People want a name that reflects the spirit of the uprising and the country's history."

After an initial analysis, names like "Janatar Dal", "Nagorik Shakti", "Republic Party", "Nagorik Dal", and "Bangladesh Nagorik Party" have emerged as frontrunners.

At least three senior leaders of the Nagorik Committee indicated that "Bangladesh Nagorik Party" might be the name. However, to avoid confusion with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the party might be named "Bangladesh Citizens Party" (BCP) in English.

Regarding the party symbol, suggestions included symbols of struggle and development, along with national emblems such as the rising sun, a book, and a pen.

"People have voiced their desire for a corruption-free country with good governance, accountability, and social justice. Our new political party aims to reflect these public expectations."

WHY SANGSAD BHABAN

Sarjis explained that the party members would take their oath on Manik Mia Avenue, in front of the Jatiya Sangsad, because "the parliament has been misused for personal and party interests, serving as a breeding ground for autocracy over the years".

"For generations, the Jatiya Sangsad has failed to represent the people's hopes and dreams. It has been a tool for personal, group, and party interests. That is why we are launching the party in front of the Jatiya Sangsad."

He added that the party will prioritise the nation's interests over any personal, group, or party interests.

Leaders from all political parties in Bangladesh, families of the martyrs, injured activists from the uprising, and diplomats will be invited to the launch.

"We'll also honour those who fought for decades for a better Bangladesh, including activists from the student community, expatriates, and representatives from ethnic and religious minorities, indigenous communities, and others," Sarjis concluded.