Hasnat Abdullah, a leader of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, has said that divisive politics has been maintained in Bangladesh for a long time, but his party aims to promote unity.

He made the remarks on Friday (February 28) at the launch event of ‘Jatiya Nagorik Party’ at Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka. Hasnat is set to take on the role of chief organizer for the party’s southern region.

He said that Bangladesh’s leadership should be decided by its people, not influenced by any foreign country. 

“The working-class people of Bangladesh will determine who goes to parliament. The people of this land will decide who takes power,” he said.

Hasnat also pointed out that over the past 53 years, Bangladesh has failed to develop as a unified nation. He said institutions have weakened, and the country has not been able to establish an independent judiciary or police force. However, he expressed confidence that the younger generation will build a stronger Bangladesh.

“Our foreign relations will be friendly, but we will not take any prescriptions from outside. When our youth have learned to sacrifice, no one can suppress them,” he said.

Hasnat Abdullah said that the country’s future leadership will be based on merit, not family legacy, and that Bangladesh should uphold freedom of speech and differing opinions.

The event officially began after 4 pm, where the party’s leadership was to be announced. According to party sources, Nahid Islam, a former adviser in the caretaker government, will be the convenor of the new party, while Akhtar Hossain will serve as the member secretary.

A group of young activists from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and the National Citizen Committee, who were at the forefront of protests against Sheikh Hasina’s government, are leading this new political initiative.

BDST: 1825 HRS, FEB 28, 2025
MSK