The National Citizen Party (NCP) is poised for its grand unveiling on Friday at 3pm at Manik Mia Avenue, Dhaka.
Emerging from the collaborative efforts of the National Citizens’ Committee and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, the party aspires to establish itself as a formidable political force, particularly among the youth.
A preparatory meeting was held yesterday at the National Citizens’ Committee’s central office in Banglamotor, where key organisational structures and leadership appointments were finalised.
The leadership roster includes Nasiruddin Patwari as the Chief Coordinator, Samanta Sharmin as the senior joint convener, Abdul Hannan Masud as the joint coordinator, Hasnat Abdullah as the principal organiser (South), Sarjis Alam as the principal organiser (North), and Salehuddin Sifat as the office secretary.
Notably, the senior joint member secretary position remains undecided due to multiple contenders, though sources indicate that a woman is likely to be appointed.
Prominent figures from both platforms have taken up leadership roles in the new entity.
Nasiruddin, previously the convener of the National Citizens’ Committee, and Abdul Hannan Masud, the chief organiser of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, have secured key posts.
Meanwhile, Hasnat Abdullah, the former convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, has also been inducted into a leadership position.
Mohammad Nahid Islam, who resigned from the interim government’s advisory council last Tuesday, will assume the role of convenor, while Akhtar Hossain has been appointed as the member secretary.
The media cell of the National Citizens’ Committee has confirmed that invitations have been extended to political parties including BNP, CPB, Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolon, JSD, Nagorik Oikya, Gano Odhikar Parishad, and the AB Party to attend the launch event.
The party’s nomenclature was determined through a public opinion survey titled "Your Vision for a New Bangladesh" which was conducted from 5 February.
Over 200,000 respondents participated, with the majority proposing the name "Bangladesh Citizens Party".
However, concerns over its abbreviation resembling ‘BNP’ led to the final adoption of "National Citizens Party".
The inauguration was initially scheduled for 26 February but was postponed to 28 February to allow for adequate preparations.
The final date was announced by Sarjis Alam at a press conference on 24 February.
The grand assembly at Manik Mia Avenue aims to attract a significant turnout, comprising party leaders, activists, families of martyrs from the July Uprising, and injured freedom fighters.
Attendees from all 64 districts, alongside political leaders, diplomats, and prominent figures, are also expected to be present. The event will commence at 3pm and conclude before sundown.
Preparations for the launch were in full swing last night, with stage construction underway near the National Parliament premises.
Samanta Sharmin, spokesperson for the National Citizens’ Committee, affirmed that Friday's gathering would mark the beginning of a political movement aimed at fostering a more inclusive and representative governance structure in Bangladesh.
