DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) — A new political party formed by students who played a pivotal role in an anti-government movement has rallied in Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka, pledging to construct a new Bangladesh in the wake of political uncertainty surrounding the upcoming elections. This gathering took place on a significant date, just two days prior to the anniversary of the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India on August 5 after a mass uprising that ended her 15-year rule.
On Sunday, approximately 1,000 supporters of the newly established National Citizen Party (NCP) gathered in front of the Shaheed Minar national monument. The NCP's leader, Nahid Islam, addressed the crowd and laid out a 24-point agenda aimed at realizing a "new Bangladesh." He recalled their commitment made a year ago at the same location, expressing gratitude for their collective efforts in overthrowing what he termed "fascist rule" and regaining control over their country.
The student movement's emergence represents a significant shift in the political landscape of Bangladesh. With Hasina's Awami League party banned, the country finds itself at a pivotal juncture as new political players advocate for a democratic transition. The uncertainty surrounding election timing and political tensions raises concerns about the potential for either a stable democratic resolution or a descent into further turmoil.
In a parallel rally, the student wing of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) gathered thousands of supporters elsewhere in Dhaka. Tarique Rahman, the online-absent acting chairman who has lived in exile in London since 2008, participated in the rally via video link. He focused on rallying support from young voters for the upcoming elections, indicating a strategic move to engage a demographic crucial to the party's future.
The backdrop for these rallies is a country grappling with the aftermath of Hasina's dramatic ousting and the ongoing struggles of the interim government, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus. Yunus stepped into leadership just three days following Hasina's departure, promising to restore order amid violence that resulted in hundreds of casualties and numerous injuries. The interim government faces allegations of failing to control mob violence and uphold human rights, leading to heightened scrutiny from both local and international observers.
During the rally, Nahid Islam emphasized the necessity for a new constitution to replace the one established in 1972, which came into effect after Bangladesh achieved independence from Pakistan following a nine-month war, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Hasina's father. Islam rallied the crowd to unify around the 24-point agenda, aiming to fulfill the hopes and aspirations of all citizens as they move towards establishing a second republic in Bangladesh.
The gatherings in Dhaka signify a critical moment in the country's political timeline, showcasing the shifting dynamics post-Hasina's removal and hinting at the challenges that lie ahead for both the new National Citizen Party and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party as they navigate the road toward the forthcoming elections.
