Anti-discrimination Student Movement leaders say they may form a political party after a 'specific time', though the timeline remains unclear
Published : 07 Oct 2024, 01:45 AM
In the wake of the violent overthrow of the Awami League's 15.5-year reign, following a brutal uprising, the once-spirited discussions among students about forming a political party have noticeably quietened over the last two months.
The key figures behind the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, who had fervently demanded Sheikh Hasina's resignation as prime minister, are now conspicuously absent from their district tours, as an interim government takes the helm.
While student leaders continue to voice their aspirations for a new "political system," uncertainty lingers over whether this will evolve into the creation of a new political party.
The future of student-led political change now hangs in the balance, as the movement that once captured the nation’s imagination recalibrates its course.
Since the fall of the Awami League on Aug 5, the new government has appointed two student representatives as advisors. Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus emphasises the importance of youth involvement in nation-building efforts.
The leaders of the civil uprising are currently focused on spreading the idea of a new humane state by reforming the existing system, dividing it into ‘students’ and ‘citizens’.
This movement is led by the newly formed 55-member National Citizens' Committee, comprising writers, YouTubers, influencers, cultural figures, and young professionals. The committee is seen as an initiative to safeguard the uprising.
However, despite earlier discussions, leaders of the Anti-discrimination Student Movement now say they will consider forming a political party only after a ‘certain time’, though it's unclear when that time will come.
Responding to questions about the formation of a political party, Akhtar Hossain, member secretary of the National Citizens' Committee, told bdnews24.com: “The National Citizens' Committee is focused on the restructuring of the Bangladesh state, preserving the 'spirit' of the 2024 uprising.”
He added, “We ended Sheikh Hasina's 'fascist' rule by uniting people across all social classes. Now, we aim to support the interim government's state-reform process while providing constructive criticism of its activities.”
On whether a new party will be formed, Akhtar said: “Many among us may pursue long-term politics. If the conditions for engaging in politics arise, we could form a party after discussions with the people. But the National Citizens' Committee will not transform into a political party.”
Akhtar also said an independent political party might be formed, with some committee members joining or new faces being brought in later. However, these matters are for the future.
NATIONAL COMMITTEE'S ROLE
University students initiated the Anti-discrimination Student Movement in early July.
A significant portion of the movement’s leadership were also leaders of a student organisation called Democratic Student Power, formed by Akhtar Hossain, but the group was dissolved due to changing circumstances before its first anniversary.
On Sept 8, two months after the fall of the government, a 55-member National Citizens' Committee was formed to uphold the ‘spirit of the uprising’ and included representatives from various sectors of society.
Akhtar said, “Since the formation of the National Citizens' Committee, we’ve held three general meetings and several smaller ones. We’ve also formed a legal team to support families of those affected by the uprising.”
In addition, the committee's health team is working alongside the Anti-discrimination Student Movement's health team to provide assistance to families of those who died during the movement.
The committee has been gathering the opinions of these families, Akhtar said, “to understand their vision for the future of Bangladesh and dismantle the 'fascist' system, while preparing for a new political framework.”
LEADERSHIP TO EMERGE FROM GRASSROOTS
Ten individuals are tasked with establishing the 'National Citizens Committee' in 52 thanas across Dhaka city within the next two weeks.
Committee spokesperson Samanta Sharmin said they are collecting basic details from those interested in joining via Google Forms, written forms, and phone conversations.
She clarified that anyone, whether affiliated with a political party or not, can participate in the committee.
Once successful in Dhaka, the same process will be replicated at the district level, Akhtar said, with committees being formed first at the Upazila level, from which district committees will be elected.
When asked about the criteria for selecting committee members, Akhtar said: “The current committee includes people from diverse backgrounds, such as families of martyrs, right-leaning and left-leaning individuals, madrasa and school students, as well as minority groups from both the plains and the hills. We are also working to include labourers and ensure at least 25 percent female participation, based on qualifications and leadership potential, not quotas.”
WHAT ARE THE STUDENTS DOING?
Representatives of the Anti-discrimination Student Movement visited 44 districts from Sept 8-18, meeting with families of those who died during the movement and holding discussions against extortion and terrorism.
Coordinator Abdul Hannan Masud told bdnews24.com, "We are not forming a political party now. Our district tours aimed at connecting with those who led and were active in the uprising."
Although no party is being formed, another coordinator Mahin Sarkar confirmed that the movement will soon start forming grassroots committees.
Samanta said the Anti-discrimination Student Movement and the National Citizens' Committee will continue to operate in parallel, with no conflict between the two. The student-led initiative will remain focused on student issues, while the citizens' committee will work on broader civic matters.