The political landscape of Bangladesh has witnessed a significant shift following the ousting of former PM Sheikh Hasina. The first week of March 2025 has played a crucial role in the political revolution as students of Dhaka have officially launched their own student-driven party- the Jatiya Nagarik Party also known as the National Citizen Party (NCP). The party’s leader, Nahid Islam who was notably involved in forming the interim government, said the new party’s intention is to offer an alternative political platform, highlighting the aspiration of youth for a reformed political landscape.
The Political Landscape of Bangladesh Prior to the NCP’s Formation
The formation of the NCP comes at a time when Bangladesh’s political environment has faced increasing criticism, political violence, lack of youth representation, accusations of corruption, and economic challenges. Bangladesh’s politics for decades has been dominated by two major parties– The Awami League (AL) and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Both these parties have maintained a tight grip on power since 1971, and has profoundly shaped the political, social and economic fabric of the nation.
Sheikh Hasina’s tenure as Prime Minister began in 2009 and since then the leadership has been criticized for suppressing dissent, curbing press freedom, compromising civil liberties and engendering a widespread perception of corruption and nepotism within her administration. The governance was also characterized by increased authoritarianism that led to public discontent, particularly among the youth, who became disillusioned with the political status quo.
In 2024, a series of mass protests known as the ‘July Uprising’ erupted in response controversial job quota system that favored a specific demographic, namely the descendants of war veterans from the 1971 Liberation War. Led predominantly by student activists, these protests quickly gained momentum, fueled by broader societal grievances regarding governance failures, economic hardships, and demands for accountability within the government.
The aftermath of July uprising resulted in the ousting of Sheikh Hasina from power and the establishment of an interim government, transitioning the country from a repressive authoritarian regime to an uncertain post-revolution era.
Formation of the NCP
The NCP was launched on Feb 28, 2025, with its founders primarily consisting of young leaders, who articulated a clear vision for the party, prioritizing ideals such as national unity, transparency in governance, and the commitment to adopting a new democratic constitution. The NCP has positioned itself as a centrist party advocating for a “Second Republic,” with the aim to draft a new constitution that addresses the structural flaws of old governance and pledges to dismantle “constitutional autocracy,” vowing to eliminate corruption and cultivate a political culture conducive to civic engagement and meritocracy
Key Objective and Vison of NCP
- NCP aims to address the issues of governance, transparency and signals a desire for a political ethos that prioritizes social justice and equitable development, in contrast to previous administration which grappled the notions of dynastic politics.
- The NCP leader, Nahid Islam along with nine other officials have pledged to challenge the longstanding political dominance by Awami league (AL) & Bangladesh’s National Party ( BNP). This shift will break the cycle of longstanding allegiance of corruption and establish political figures.
- Commitment to educational Reforms : The party emphasized on modernizing the education system to empower youth with the tools necessary for personal and professional success. This will be done by integrating vocational training & digital literacy programs into the curriculum.
- The party will also focus on the Job creation & economic opportunities recognizing that youth unemployment is one of the chief concerns for young voters. The party policy aims to promote a self–sufficient economy by fostering entrepreneurship and supporting startups.
Challenges Faced by NCP
One major challenge faced by NCP is the uncertainty regarding the conduct of the coming elections in a secure and fair environment, given ongoing unrest and inadequate policing reforms.
NCP will be competing with established party, that is the Awami league & Bangladesh National Party which have been dominating Bangladesh. Therefore, the NCP needs to position itself as a legitimate alternative to break the dominance of the two parties.
Financial constraints process another hurdles as NCP is competing against a well financialy stable rivals. Therefore, NCP needs to develop a sustainable financing while maintain its commitment to transparency, which is quite difficult to balance in Bangladesh’s political context.
Public perception and controversies surrounding the party’s leadership also plays a critical role in the NCPS’s trajectory, especially after the backlash faced by the party for appointing LGBTQ rights activist to an influential position. This has apparently raised questions about NCP’s commitment to Islamic values in the predominantly Muslim country.
Conclusion
The National Citizens’ Party represents both an opportunity and a challenge for Bangladesh’s political system that will require strategic navigation and thoughtful management. As Bangladesh approaches the anticipated free and fair elections by December 2025 or by June 2026, maintaining internal unity, securing adequate financing, contending with established rivals, and handling public controversies comprise the critical hurdles that the NCP must overcome. The NCP advocates the aspirations of the youth into a tangible political force advocating for a more inclusive, democratic, and accountable governance structure. As it navigates the challenges ahead, it is important for the party to reevaluate its political identity in light of historical challenges and future expectations.
