The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and the National Citizens’ Committee have jointly announced the creation of a new political party. Both organizations are actively seeking input from people across various sectors of society regarding the formation of the party, its name, and electoral symbol.
Hasnat Abdullah, representing the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, made the announcement at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon at his office at Rupayan Trade Center in Dhaka’s Bangla Motor.
He stated, “On August 5, 2024, amid the bloody uprising of students and the public, we succeeded in overthrowing the genocidal fascist Hasina and the Awami fascist government. However, even though the Awami League fell, the fascist elements within the state structure remain.”
“One phase of the mass uprising—specifically the abolition of the fascist system and the implementation of a new political arrangement—has yet to be completed. The creation of a new state structure, institutionalizing democracy, and building a Bangladesh of equality, human dignity, and social justice remains unfinished. The people of this land have consistently voiced their desire for a democratic state free from oppression and exploitation, through the Pakistan Movement of 1947, the Liberation War of 1971, and the 1990 uprising. Yet, the political structures and parties have continuously failed to realize this vision.”
“Citizens from all walks of life who took part in the uprising, led by students and the public, have decided to form a political party with the anti-fascist masses, aligning with the new aspirations and vision, especially those of the youth.”
Hasnat explained that the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and the National Citizens’ Committee have initiated a nationwide effort to actively gather public opinions on expectations and set priorities for the new political party.
This consultation will involve all committees and their wide network of activists across the country, with the goal of reaching more than 100,000 individuals from various backgrounds, including rickshaw pullers, shopkeepers, daily wage workers, domestic workers, teachers, and others, to gather their views on the future direction of the new political party.
He added that the new party is committed to being the voice of the many, not just the few, representing those marginalized by the current political system. “We aim to establish a new political culture by listening to all citizens.”
The initiative aims to gather input from around 100,000 individuals regarding the formation of the new party. Additionally, the public has been invited to propose a name and symbol for the party. Hasnat emphasized that this is a historic move in Bangladesh’s political landscape, with public opinion being sought on such a large scale.
Both the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and the National Citizens’ Committee will continue to operate as independent political platforms to preserve the spirit of the July uprising, working together to build a people’s party that is not affiliated with existing political organizations.
National Citizens’ Committee convener Nasiruddin Patwari remarked, “Through this campaign, we will engage with 100,000 people from various sectors offline. We will also connect with another 100,000 people online and through technology.”
“You, the public, will decide the name of the new student party, and you will also contribute your views on the party’s symbol,” he added.
