Bangladeshi student leader Nahid Islam has formed a new political party, the National Citizens Party (NCP), to continue pursuing reforms following the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina. Resigning from the interim government, Nahid aims to influence future politics and sustain the energy of the youth movement for decades to come, despite upcoming elections where the BNP is favored.
In Bangladesh, students who played a pivotal role in the overthrow of the autocratic ex-premier Sheikh Hasina have established a new political party aimed at continuing their reform efforts. Nahid Islam, a prominent leader of the youth-led protest movement known as Students Against Discrimination, emphasized the need for deep political changes within their country.
Nahid, 27, recently stepped down from a temporary government post to lead the newly formed National Citizens Party (NCP). He believes the existing political framework lacks the necessary commitment to achieve meaningful reform, stating that young people endured significant sacrifices during the uprising.
“They were not even interested in the reforms for which young people sacrificed their lives,” Nahid explained. The uprising took place last year and resulted in the deaths of over 800 individuals, while Nahid himself faced brief detention during the protests. After the ousting of Sheikh Hasina, he joined the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
His recent decision to lead the NCP has prompted him to leave the neutral administration tasked with preparing the country for elections expected to occur by March. Although the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is favored to win the upcoming polls, Nahid remains optimistic about the influence they can exert.
Nahid stated, “Nobody knew that there would be an uprising, but it happened,” expressing hope for a victory in the elections. He further articulated a vision for the future, asserting that their movement aims to maintain momentum for decades, stating, “Our target is to sustain this energy for another 50 or 100 or more years.”
In conclusion, Nahid Islam and the newly formed National Citizens Party aim to continue the momentum of the recent uprising in Bangladesh. By emphasizing the need for reforms and addressing political indifference, they seek to establish a lasting political force. As the country prepares for upcoming elections, their commitment to sustained activism and influence suggests a significant shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape.
Original Source: www.thenews.com.pk
