A group of Bangladeshi students, who played a pivotal role in the protests that led to the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year, are ready to embark on a new political journey. They plan to inaugurate a political party during an event scheduled for Wednesday, February 26. Nahid Islam, a prominent student leader and adviser to the interim government, is anticipated to assume the role of convener of this new party.
The Students Against Discrimination (SAD) group, which initially protested against public sector job quotas, spearheaded the movement. Their efforts quickly evolved into a nationwide uprising that ultimately forced Hasina to seek refuge in India. The turmoil claimed more than 1,000 lives as officials from Hasina's government and security forces reportedly committed severe human rights violations against the demonstrators. The United Nations Human Rights Commission confirmed these allegations earlier this month.
Since August 2024, Bangladesh has been under an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Despite holding the reins of power, Yunus has expressed no interest in pursuing an elected office and has hinted at possible elections by the end of 2025. His leadership has provided stability, but the emergence of a youth-led political entity could potentially transform Bangladesh's political landscape. Political analysts suggest that such a shift may usher in a new era of governance driven by fresh perspectives.
Nahid Islam has been instrumental in championing student interests within the interim administration. His anticipated resignation from his current advisory position is expected to allow him to concentrate on steering the new political entity. The party's formation is largely attributed to students who were at the forefront of last year's protests, with Islam and other student leaders taking the initiative.
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