27 February, Bangladesh: In a significant political development in Bangladesh, Nahid Islam, a prominent student leader and a key figure in the 2024 uprising against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has resigned from the interim government. He announced plans to launch a new political party on February 28, aiming to address the “new hopes and aspirations” of the Bangladeshi people, which he claims are not represented by the ideologies of existing political parties.
The new party will officially begin its journey with a grand rally at Manik Mia Avenue, located south of the parliament building in Dhaka. The move comes in the wake of the July 2024 student-led protests that ultimately led to Sheikh Hasina’s ouster from power. Nahid Islam emphasized that the uprising, symbolized by figures like Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, was a people’s movement rather than an extension of any existing political entity, such as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) or Jamaat-e-Islami.
Samanta Shermeen, spokesperson for the Jatio Nagorik Committee, a platform representing the student group, echoed these sentiments. She stated that the 2024 uprising had awakened a realization among students and citizens that the current political framework fails to accommodate the diverse aspirations of Bangladesh’s population. “The existing state structure is incapable of transforming Bangladesh into a modern, progressive nation in South Asia,” Shermeen said. “We aim to build a Bangladesh that connects with the world and embraces new ideas.”
Shermeen also criticized the country’s political history, accusing the state of perpetuating oppression over the past 53 years. She claimed that state institutions have been misused for partisan and personal gains, leaving the nation’s governance in disarray. “The institutions have been exploited for party and personal purposes, undermining their integrity and effectiveness,” she added.
The new political party, according to Shermeen, will focus on “rights-based politics,” emphasizing inclusivity, service, and manifesto-driven governance. “We believe the people of Bangladesh have certain rights, and our future politics will be guided by these principles. Our goal is to ensure that everyone is included in the nation’s progress,” she explained.
Call for Fair International Relations
The spokesperson also addressed Bangladesh’s foreign policy, advocating for international relations based on “fairness and equality.” She stressed that the country’s policies should not be influenced by foreign grants or loans. “Our relations with other nations must be grounded in mutual respect and equality. We cannot allow external financial assistance to dictate our domestic policies,” Shermeen asserted.
Her comments come amid recent criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who questioned the effectiveness of certain USAID projects in Bangladesh. Trump specifically referenced a $29 million initiative aimed at strengthening the political landscape, which was awarded to an obscure firm. The project was halted following recommendations from the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk.
UN Chief’s Upcoming Visit
Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is expected to visit Bangladesh in mid-March, as the country grapples with rising political instability. The visit is seen as a significant development, given the ongoing efforts to stabilize the nation’s political landscape and address the aspirations of its people.
The formation of the new political party marks a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s political history, as it seeks to redefine governance and representation in the post-Hasina era. With its emphasis on inclusivity, modernization, and rights-based politics, the party aims to carve out a new path for the nation, one that resonates with the hopes and dreams of its citizens. As the country prepares for the grand rally later this month, all eyes will be on how this new political force shapes the future of Bangladesh.
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