Democracy calls in last 15 years led to enforced disappearances, killings: Patwary

Jatiya Nagorik Party’s Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patway mentioned about the bloodshed to establish a new Bangladesh in 2024.

He said that people were now standing at another critical juncture of that historic victory. Over the past 15 years, whenever they spoke about democracy, they faced enforced disappearances and killings.

He made these statements on Friday afternoon at the inauguration event of a new political party on Manik Mia Avenue in the capital.

Nasiruddin Patwary further said: "Students and citizens from various parts of the country have gathered here today. We did not bring them by offering any incentives or money, but instead, we have given them hope for a new Bangladesh and the awakening of the nation."

He added: "From the same historic Parliament Building, which was freed from autocracy on August 5, we are about to declare a new political party."

The new political party was formed by leaders of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee (JNC) and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement (ADSM).

Thousands of people joined the procession marking the party’s launch, with attendees from the capital and various districts.

The party’s top ten leadership positions have been finalized. Former information adviser Nahid Islam is set to be the convener, while Akhtar Hossain will serve as the member secretary.

Samantha Sharmin and Ariful Islam Adeeb have been chosen as senior joint conveners, while Tasnim Jara and Nahida Sarwar (Nova) will hold the senior joint member secretary positions.

Nasiruddin Patwary has been appointed chief coordinator, with Abdul Hannan Masud as joint coordinator.

Additionally, Sarjis Alam will be the chief organizer for the northern region, while Hasnat Abdullah will take on the same role for the southern region.

The party’s name was confirmed by Sarjis Alam in a Facebook post on Thursday. “Banners bearing this name will be raised across the country. Let Bangladesh resonate with this name,” he wrote, emphasizing that the party would uphold the spirit of the July uprising in its political journey.

Ahead of the party’s formation, students affiliated with the July Movement launched a new student organization, "Gonotantraik Chhatra Sangsad," on Wednesday. However, the move sparked protests from a faction of activists who had also participated in the movement.