Ilias Kanchan, Shaukat Mahmood launch Janata Party Bangladesh

Before its launch, the party faced a dispute due to a similarity in its name with another political party

A new political party named “Janata Party Bangladesh” has officially been launched, with veteran film actor and road safety campaigner Ilias Kanchan assuming the role of Chairman.

The party’s general secretary, journalist Shaukat Mahmood, who was expelled from the BNP two years ago, announced its formation on Friday at a press conference held at InterContinental Dhaka hotel.

“Every mass uprising, revolution, and movement in the history of Bangladesh has led to the emergence of new political forces inspired by the spirit of those struggles,” said Shaukat.

He emphasised that the party is being launched to combat all forms of discrimination, fascism, and authoritarianism, to ensure public welfare, justice, and sovereignty, and to strengthen a proud sense of nationalism.

He explained that the party is founded on the ideals of the Liberation War, the national revolution of Nov 7, the 1990 mass uprising, and above all, the revolutionary spirit of July 2024.

The party’s slogan, “We shall build a nation of justice,” echoes its intent to build a new Bangladesh founded on equality, dignity, and social justice.

Shaukat highlighted the party’s 18-point outline and claimed that its distinguishing features would be unyielding patriotism, transparency and courage in principles, consistent democratic practices within and outside the party, and alignment in speech, action, and service to the people.

He also stressed the importance of returning the ownership and policymaking rights of the state to its citizens.

“We want to build a future of hope through the wisdom of elders, active participation of expatriates, and collaboration with the youth,” he said.

FORMING A NEW PARTY

Speaking of his role in politics, Ilias reflected on his 32-year-long campaign for road safety after losing his wife in an accident in 1993. He left behind a successful film career to establish and lead the Nirapad Sarak Chai, or We Demand Safe Roads, movement.

“I have worked with integrity for the people through the road safety campaign. I now wish to do the same for the country with this new political platform,” Ilias said, asking for public support as the party begins its journey.

EXPULSION FROM BNP

On Mar 21, 2023, Shaukat was expelled from all positions within the BNP, including his role as vice chairman, on grounds of engaging in activities deemed in violation of party discipline.

Just days prior, at an event held in Banani under the banner of the National Committee for Civil Rights, Shaukat, serving as the committee’s secretary, spoke at the event alongside its convener Farhad Mazhar.

He said, “My personal distance from the BNP began when we, with the consent of Khaleda Zia, formed the National Committee for Justice in 2012.”

“When we revived that committee and expressed our intention to start a mass uprising, one that would require the cooperation of all political parties, some BNP leaders misunderstood our intention, thinking we were aiming to divide the party. That misunderstanding led to a separation between the BNP and I.”

He continued that the uprising ended up taking place with the help of non-political entities, like students.

“I have no complaints against the BNP, there’s nothing more to say in that matter. I hope people will come to understand that in the wake of this uprising, the call for a new national unity and its necessity have become evident. That’s why I’ve formed a new political party,” he said.

“We’ve come to certain realisations, perhaps there are slight differences between our views and those of the BNP. But when it comes to our shared belief in Bangladeshi nationalism and unwavering faith in God, there is no difference between us. Maybe we only differ in strategy.”

Shaukat mentioned that the formation of the party took shape over the past two to three years through discussions and public consultation.

He noted that the party will soon apply for registration with the Election Commission (EC) under the abbreviation PB, where its constitution, logo, electoral symbol, and flag will be submitted.

REGRET OVER PARTICIPATION IN NATIONAL ELECTION

Speaking about his participation in the 12th national election, Shaukat clarified: “We have not formed this party to gain any political favour. Many were compelled to participate in the 2024 election under duress. I was picked up by intelligence agencies and threatened that a verdict would be given in one of the 70 cases filed against me if I did not participate.”

He compared the controversial 2024 elections to the equally disputed 2018 polls and criticised both, calling for reflection from those who had played roles in legitimising either process.

“Those who went to parliament after 2018 should also apologise,” he asserted.

Shaukat added that during the July Uprising, government forces allegedly pressured activists to withdraw their programmes. Highlighting the oppressive political climate, he explained his decision to contest the election as a method of self-preservation.

When asked whether the party would join any alliances, Mahmud said, “That will be determined in due time. We are open to an alliance if it aligns with our principles and objectives. But at this moment, we are focused on organising the party and preparing for elections.”

DISPUTE OVER PARTY NAME

A day before the launch, Shafiqul Islam Sabuj Khan, chairman of “Jonotar Bangladesh Party”, issued a legal notice to Ilias over the similarity between the two party names, which he claimed was causing confusion among supporters.

In response, Ilias said: “Our party name is different and does not cause conflict. Moreover, the name he is referring to, is it registered with the Election Commission? Without submitting the necessary documents, such claims are baseless.”

Executive Chairman and party spokesperson Golam Sarwar Milon added, “There are multiple parties with the same core names. There are four parties registered as ‘Jatiya Party’ and four as ‘JaSaD’. If someone else forms a party using the name ‘Janata’, we congratulate them. When registration is finalised, the eligible party will prevail.”

He also hinted at the possibility of a future national alliance of parties with the name “Janata”, saying, “There is no room for controversy here.”