Student-led party to be unveiled by mid-Feb with eyes set on nat’l polls

Following extensive discussions, a new political party, formed by students who spearheaded the 2024 July uprising and toppled the Authoritarian Awami League regime, is set to be officially launched soon, with its convening committee expected to be announced by mid-February.

The party, which aims to contest the forthcoming national election, has already finalised key preparations, sources say.

Amid these developments, speculation has grown over the resignations of three student advisers from the interim government. Two of them – Information Adviser Nahid Islam and Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud – are reportedly preparing to step down before formally joining the party, while a third, Mahfuj Alam, is expected to resign by June. However, no official confirmation has been made.

While the party’s leadership structure is yet to be finalised, initial plans include a convening committee of 150–200 members, according the sources.

Although the convening committee will be announced first, it remains unclear who will be its chief convenor, but Nahid Islam is likely to be appointed as the member secretary. The party’s constitution is currently under development, alongside the preparation of its manifesto.

Despite the political transition, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and the Jatiya Nagorik Committee will continue as non-political platforms, advocating for justice and governance reforms.

Sources within the Jatiya Nagorik Committee and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement said that discussions on the party’s leadership are ongoing, with three perspectives emerging.

One faction argues that those who spearheaded the July uprising should assume leadership, while another advocates for a mix of young and senior figures. A third group suggests forming a coalition with parties aligned with the revolution’s ideals. However, no final decision has been reached.

In response to questions regarding his resignation, Adviser Nahid Islam told journalists on Thursday, “If any such decision is made, it will be announced officially. I will not form or join any political party while serving in the government.”

“If the circumstances demand political involvement and we decide to leave the government, we will make an official statement. However, neither I nor Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud has made any such decision yet.”

Speculation about the formation of a new political party led by student leaders has been circulating for some time.

Commenting on the matter, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir recently stated that forming a political party led by student representatives in the government and contesting elections under their leadership would not be acceptable.

Meanwhile, student sources said that a recent meeting of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement discussed the necessity of resignations from student advisers within the interim government to lead the new political party. It was suggested that advisers with high public acceptance should step down and take leadership roles in the party.

Names under discussion for inclusion in the convening committee include Nasir Uddin Patowary, Hasnat Abdullah, and Sarjis Alam. Once the political party is formally introduced through the convening committee, a full-fledged leadership structure will be established through a council meeting.

Students present at the meeting said that a proposal was made for those intending to contest elections and assume top leadership positions to take the forefront from the outset. Another group suggested that key figures should step forward once the electoral roadmap is announced to generate momentum and attract public interest.

A roadmap outlining the process of forming the party has already been developed, they adedd.

Besides, significant importance will be given to the opinions and aspirations of the families of martyrs. Injured freedom fighters from the 2024 movement will be placed in prominent positions within the party.

The party’s initial announcement is set to coincide with a long march starting from the home of Abu Sayed from Rangpur, the first martyr of the July uprising, and concluding at the home of Chattogram’s martyr Wasim. This march is expected to last for 15 days.

Extensive consultations have taken place on whether the party should be announced at the beginning of the long march. Many believe that such an approach would maximise public engagement and participation.

Furthermore, it will provide an opportunity to gauge reactions from other political parties and allow the march to serve as a platform for direct responses.

Student leaders argue that any obstruction or attacks on the march from political opponents would only serve to strengthen their cause.

A 17-member special committee has already been formed to draft the party’s constitution, incorporating principles inspired by the movements of 1947, 1971 and 2024. The framework is being shaped by constitutional experts, political analysts, and diplomats, ensuring alignment with global democratic norms.

The aspirations of young people will be prioritised, alongside a commitment to a mixed economy, healthcare, education, gender equality, and the rejection of religious intolerance.

Sources within the Jatiya Nagorik Committee said that while the party’s name is yet to be finalised, extensive organisational groundwork has already been laid.

Committees have been formed in over 100 thanas, 235 upazilas, and seven specialised wings, comprising students, young professionals, former bureaucrats, journalists, lawyers, business leaders, political figures and civil society members.

The committee claims to have received widespread public support at the grassroots level.

To ensure smooth organisational operations before the party’s official launch, nearly 30 dedicated cells are being established, including legal, crisis response, labour, information and communication, office management, and welfare units for martyrs’ families and injured activists.

Nasir Uddin Patowary, convenor of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, said, “Our new political party will be established soon. It will be a centrist party driven by youth, while also including senior figures in leadership. We have initiated preliminary discussions, and from 1 February, we will engage directly with the public. Both online and offline, we aim to reach 200,000 people. Our party’s name and agenda will be determined based on public input.”

Samantha Sharmin, spokesperson of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, said “Post-uprising, we have been engaging with people at the union and ward levels to understand their aspirations. They have advised us to form a political party, and we are prioritising their opinions in shaping it. We believe the young leaders who united during the July Revolution will usher in a new era of politics.”