A ‘Centrist’ student-led political party coming, raising concerns among oppositions

A new political party, spearheaded by the leaders of the July mass movement and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement along with the National Citizens’ Committee, is likely to be launched in the last week of this month. The party aims to ensure seamless public services without any administrative hassles.

However, the name and symbol of the party are yet to be finalized. Discussions are ongoing about whether one or all three interim government advisers—Mahfuz Alam, Nahid Islam, and Asif Mahmud—will assume leadership roles in the new party.

According to insider sources, one of the young advisers in the interim government may resign to take charge of the new party.

While many welcome the formation of a student-led party, opposition political groups are raising concerns over what they claim to be government-backed political engineering.

Initially, National Citizens’ Committee convener Nasiruddin Patwari had described the party as “Islamist,” but he now states that it will be a “centrist” party, shaped by public demand and necessity. He has confirmed that the party will be officially launched by the end of February.

Nasiruddin also mentioned that even after the formation of the new political party, the National Citizens’ Committee will continue to function as a "pressure group,” and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement will also remain active.

The committeee’s member secretary, Akhtar Hossain, added “After months of nationwide networking and discussions, we have decided that instead of aligning with either the left or right, we will establish a centrist party based on public interest. The official announcement will be made by late February. This new political arrangement will prioritize national interests and work for the welfare of Bangladesh.”

As part of their ongoing “public opinion formation” campaign, the organizers claim to have gathered support from over 100,000 people for the new political party and have invited suggestions for the party’s name and symbol.

At a press conference at the National Citizens’ Committee’s central office in Banglamotor on Wednesday (February 5), Nasiruddin Patwari stated that any adviser wishing to join the party must resign from their government position.

Multiple sources within the National Citizens’ Committee indicate that one of the three student representatives serving as advisers in the interim government will resign and take on a leadership role in the new party from the beginning. Nahid Islam’s name has been the most discussed in this regard. The other two advisers might leave their positions in June or later at a more convenient time.

Additionally, a key position in the new political party might be taken by the brother of one of the advisers.

Akhtar Hossain mentioned that the party is eager to recruit individuals who supported the mass movement but are not affiliated with any existing political party.

However, whether one of the three student advisers will take charge or a completely new face will emerge as the leader remains undecided. Akhtar clarified “We are considering a collective leadership model for this new party. No single individual will hold the top position for an extended period. We also aim to move away from dynastic politics.”

Nonetheless, sources suggest that either Nasiruddin Patwari or Akhtar Hossain is likely to take a significant leadership position in the party.

On November 8 last year, the National Citizens’ Committee formed its first representative committee outside the capital. Between then and February 5, they claim to have established committees in nearly 300 districts, sub-districts, and police precincts across the country, amassing over 40,000 representatives.

Meanwhile, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement formed its first committee on November 2 last year. By February 1, they had organized committees in 30 districts, five major cities, eight police precincts, two universities, three colleges, and one polytechnic institute, enrolling approximately 8,500 student members.

Political Parties Express Concern Over Fair Elections

While welcoming the new political party, Jamaat-e-Islami has refrained from making any comments. However, opposition parties such as BNP and Jatiya Party are apprehensive about the interim government’s alleged support for the student-led party and its potential impact on the upcoming elections.

Ganosamhati Andolan’s chief coordinator, Zonayed Saki, said “We welcome any political party formed through a democratic process. However, if such an initiative is backed by state power or influence, the public will not take it positively. If they genuinely want to form a party, they should do so independently, without government backing.”

Jatiya Party has also raised concerns about forming a party while being in power and then contesting elections from that position.

The party’s General Secretary, Mujibul Haque Chunnu, said “From past experience under the Awami League government, people are no longer willing to accept an election where those in power participate. Therefore, we need a neutral administration, either a caretaker or an interim government, during elections.”

Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader, during a party program on February 1, noted “Recent statements from the interim government have made it clear that the student coordinators were appointed by them. It is also evident that the government supports their formation of a political party.”

Echoing this sentiment, Chunnu questioned “Even if advisers resign from their positions to form the party, can we truly believe that the party will not receive government patronage? The key question remains: can the Interim government ensure neutrality in the upcoming elections and maintain a level playing field?”

Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna said “Everyone has the right to form a political party, and they are free to do so. But their recent behavior suggests they are trying to leverage their power and influence. They led the movement, so they can build their party based on public support. If the people accept them, they will succeed. However, a party cannot be created through force, arrogance, or power. If they attempt to manipulate power, they will only alienate themselves from the public.”

BNP Chairperson’s adviser, Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal, pointed out that forming political parties while in power is not new in Bangladesh:
“Ziaur Rahman formed BNP while in power, and later, Hussain Muhammad Ershad created Jatiya Party. Regardless of their success, they faced criticism, and this new party will have to endure similar scrutiny. The real test will come in the elections. If they try to influence the elections through power, they will ultimately lose public support.”

He warned against introducing any reforms that provide undue advantages to this new party in the elections:
“Government employees cannot contest elections for three years after retirement or resignation. The same principle should apply to advisers. If someone resigns today and runs for office tomorrow, would they not have an unfair advantage? No unethical privileges should be granted that raise questions about the election’s credibility.”

Alal said “The foremost necessity in this country is a fair and credible election. We need assurance that no party will misuse state resources or power to manipulate the elections. A truly level playing field must be ensured for all participants.”