In the aftermath of the fall of the Awami League government, discussions around the formation of a new political party by participants of the July-August uprising gained traction.
Media reports now suggest that this "plan" is steadily moving toward fruition, accompanied by escalating verbal skirmishes in the political arena.
Opposition parties, particularly the BNP and its allies, have criticised the initiative, labelling it a "Kings Party" backed by the interim government.
Under the banner of the National Citizens’ Committee, representatives of the youth uprising have countered by accusing the BNP itself of being the country's first government-endorsed "Kings Party."
This exchange underscores the fierce rhetorical battle surrounding the creation of a new political force post-uprising.
A report published Tuesday highlighted that efforts are underway to unite the uprising’s participants into a new political party, with February set as a tentative deadline.
Drafts of the party’s constitution and manifesto are reportedly being prepared, aiming to incorporate unconventional approaches that move beyond traditional political paradigms.
Leadership, the report suggests, will emphasise collective thinking rather than individual-centric control.
According to several sources close to the initiative, members of the National Citizens’ Committee, formed to consolidate the uprising’s strength, are now actively working on this youth-oriented political platform.
Ariful Islam Adib, an executive member of the committee, stated, "We are connecting with the families of martyrs and the injured, as well as organising the uprising’s strength across various police stations and sub-districts. Many platforms were formed around the uprising, and their representatives are linked to the committee."
A Three-Phase Approach
The Citizens’ Committee is following a structured three-phase strategy:
- Strengthening Organisational Framework: Committees are being formed at the police station and sub-district levels nationwide, followed by ward and district-level committees.
- Drafting Foundational Documents: A dedicated group is working on drafting the constitution and manifesto, incorporating diverse viewpoints and reviewing historical and contemporary political ideologies.
- Selecting Leadership: A list of qualified candidates is being prepared, with the potential for student leaders who led the uprising to hold key positions such as general secretary or member secretary.
Sources indicate that the platforms linked to the uprising, including anti-discrimination student movements and the National Citizens’ Committee, will remain as pressure groups.
These groups aim to bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds under a unified umbrella, with particular emphasis on youth participation.
Escalating Verbal Battles
Criticism of the proposed party reached new heights, with BNP leaders warning that government-backed "Kings Parties" often fail.
Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi remarked, "We hope the interim government will steer the country positively and avoid actions that spark controversy. Essential reforms for democracy should be prioritised."
However, Citizens’ Committee spokesperson Samantha Sharmin fired back, accusing the BNP of scaremongering. She said, "The BNP labels us a Kings Party to instil fear among the public, perhaps reflecting their own apprehensions. Their history of corruption, extortion, and violence could be threatened by constitutional reforms."
Sharmin added, "The BNP’s current dream of forming a new government may remain unfulfilled. We urge them to understand the aspirations of the youth and abandon their fear-mongering tactics."
Mahmudur Rahman Manna, president of Nagorik Oikya and a prominent leader of the Ganatantra Mancha, commented on the political tussle, noting, "The BNP, a public-centric party for over four decades, was formed during Ziaur Rahman’s rule. Whether it qualifies as the first Kings Party is debatable."
Manna also questioned the feasibility of postponing national elections until war crimes trials are completed, stating, "If such trials take five to ten years, does it mean elections will be suspended for that long? That is not a reasonable stance."
As the political climate evolves, the proposed youth-led party remains a focal point of contention, with both proponents and critics staking claims about its legitimacy and future impact.
