The National Citizen Party (NCP), a new political entity spearheaded by the nation's youth, made its formal debut on Friday (28 February).
Thousands of people, predominantly students, converged on Manik Miah Avenue to witness the formal launch of the political entity spearheaded by the youth-led movement Students Against Discrimination (SAD).
During the vent, student leaders stressed the need for unity and healthy politics in the country.
Supporters, many travelling from different districts, began arriving early in the morning, viewing the event as a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s political trajectory.
Alongside its leaders and activists, families of martyrs and wounded fighters from the July uprising have been in attendance.
Delegates from all 64 districts, along with diplomats, political figures, and distinguished personalities, had also been invited.
Leaders of several political parties, including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, joined the grand unveiling programme.
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie arrived at the venue at 4:58pm to attend the programme.
Leaders from Jamaat-e-Islami, Khelafat Majlis, Hefazat-e-Islam, Islami Oikya Jote, Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh, Liberal Democratic Party, Ganosamhati Andolan, Nagorik Oikya, and several other parties arrived.
The guests include Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar, Ganosamhati Andolan Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki, Khelafat Majlis Secretary General Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmed, Bangladesh Labour Party Chairman Mostafizur Rahman Iran, Political Counselor of the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka Kamran Dangal, Islami Andolan Presidium Member Ashraf Ali Akon, Nagorik Oikya Convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Hefazat Nayeb-e-Ameer Ahmad Ali Qasemi, and Islami Oikya Jote Secretary General Maulana Sakhawat Hossain Raji. None from the Awami League or Jatiya Party were invited.
Since the early hours of the morning, the vicinity of the parliament has witnessed frenetic activity, with arrangements in full swing.
Security personnel remain stationed to oversee crowd management.
Enthusiastic supporters and activists have begun arriving from different districts to witness the historic moment firsthand.
To ensure smooth proceedings, medical teams, police booths, and drinking water facilities have been set up.
Separate booths have been arranged for women behind the main stage, and VIPs will have designated areas.
Entry to the reserved area in front of the stage has been permitted only from the western entrance of Manik Mia Avenue (near Aarong) after 12pm.
The party’s leadership includes former interim government adviser Nahid Islam and National Citizen Committee member secretary Akhtar Hossain.
Following extensive discussions, the party’s central committee was finalised at a meeting on 27 February at its headquarters in Banglamotor.
Hasnat Abdullah, convenor of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, has been appointed as the chief organiser for the southern region, while Sarjis Alam will oversee the northern region.
The central coordination team will be led by Nasir Uddin Patwary as the chief coordinator, with Hannan Masud serving as joint coordinator.
The newly formed committee is expected to lead the party until the next general elections.
In preparation, the advisory panel has been expanded, with key figures from the July movement taking up pivotal roles.
Notably, prominent female leaders from the uprising have also been integrated into the party’s structure.
As the political landscape undergoes a significant shift, today’s launch of the National Citizen Party marks a new chapter in the country’s evolving democratic discourse.
