New party, new promises: Citizens speak out

Students in Bangladesh who led a mass uprising to topple former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last summer are now diving into politics by forming the new National Citizen Party.

The aim is to create new political space in a fiercely divisive dynastic political landscape. For decades, the country’s politics have been dominated by two former prime ministers and archrivals — Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia.

The announcement came Friday at a rally in front of Parliament in Dhaka, during which political reforms were promised for a country born in 1971 through a bloody war against Pakistan.

Critics of Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, who heads the interim government, say the new party is nothing but a “King’s Party” blessed by him.

But political analysts say the new platform might be able to break the decades-long traditional political power structure in the South Asian nation.

Thousands of people, mainly youths, gathered to witness the moment. At the launch of the Jatiya Nagorik Party at Manik Mia Avenue on Friday, the crowd was not limited to party members and guests from other political groups; ordinary citizens also gathered to witness the event.

Sumon Ahmed, a recent graduate from the University of Asia Pacific, said, “I do not support any political party. However, I came here to see the launch because it may bring about something better.”

Sumon mentioned that he had never voted before, which made the upcoming election exciting for him. “However, I do not think the election should happen immediately. There needs to be reformation first.”

MD Moidul, a traveling tea seller, said: “They were the frontliners of the revolution, and now they are forming a political party. Maybe they can implement something new.”

When asked whether the masses would vote for the party, Sabbir Ahmed, a resident of Dhanmondi, said: “People are aware of what other political parties have done. I believe they have a strong chance if they can prove themselves.”

"I will observe their actions first, then decide how to vote. But for now, they are my top choice," he added.

Jibon, a high school student, said: “If we cannot change the political landscape now, it will never be possible.”

Mahfuz Hossain, an architect, said: "I admire Nahid Islam and his leadership. However, I believe a party should be transparent and principled, where positions are not contested but entrusted to deserving individuals. The recent incident was somewhat disappointing, but I still appreciate their efforts and believe they have the potential to move forward."