Our History

To understand the formation of the National Citizen Party, it is essential to examine the political landscape of Bangladesh before 2024. The country had been experiencing growing frustration with traditional political parties, corruption, and lack of democratic participation among citizens, particularly young people and students.

Bangladesh's political system had been dominated by two major political parties for decades, with power alternating between them through elections. However, this system had become increasingly disconnected from the needs and aspirations of ordinary citizens, particularly students and young people who felt marginalized and excluded from meaningful political participation.

The traditional political parties were characterized by dynastic leadership, where political power was concentrated in the hands of a few families and their close associates. This created a system where meritocracy was often overlooked in favor of political loyalty and family connections, leading to frustration among citizens who believed in democratic values and equal opportunities.

Corruption had become a significant problem in Bangladesh's political system, with allegations of corruption at all levels of government. This corruption not only undermined public trust in government but also hindered economic development and social progress, affecting the lives of ordinary citizens who struggled to access basic services and opportunities.

Students, in particular, felt increasingly frustrated with the political system. They faced discrimination, limited opportunities for meaningful participation, and a lack of representation of their interests and concerns in political decision-making. This frustration was compounded by issues such as educational quality, employment opportunities, and social mobility.

The political system also lacked transparency and accountability, with citizens having limited access to information about government operations and decision-making processes. This lack of transparency contributed to public distrust and created an environment where corruption could flourish unchecked.

Against this backdrop, there was growing demand for political reform, greater citizen participation, and a more democratic and transparent political system. Citizens, particularly students and young people, were looking for alternatives to the traditional political parties and seeking ways to participate meaningfully in the political process.

The July 2024 uprising marked a watershed moment in Bangladesh's political history, representing a turning point that would ultimately lead to the formation of the National Citizen Party. This period of intense student activism and citizen mobilization highlighted the urgent need for political reform and gave birth to a new movement for democratic change.

The uprising began as a response to specific incidents of discrimination and corruption that affected students and young people. However, it quickly evolved into a broader movement demanding systemic change, transparency, and greater democratic participation. Students from universities across Bangladesh united under the banner of democratic reform and citizen rights.

What made the July uprising particularly significant was its focus on institutional reform rather than merely protesting specific policies. Students recognized that lasting change would require fundamental changes to Bangladesh's political system, including greater transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance.

The uprising was characterized by peaceful protests, student assemblies, and public demonstrations that brought together citizens from different backgrounds and regions. This unity demonstrated the power of organized citizen action and highlighted the potential for a new form of political organization in Bangladesh.

During the uprising, students and citizens articulated clear demands for democratic reform, including free and fair elections, transparent government operations, protection of civil liberties, and greater citizen participation in political decision-making. These demands resonated with citizens across Bangladesh who were frustrated with the existing political system.

The success of the student movement in achieving some of its immediate goals demonstrated the potential power of organized citizen action. However, students also recognized that sustained change would require a more permanent political organization that could continue to advocate for democratic reform beyond the immediate crisis.

The July uprising also highlighted the importance of youth leadership in political change. Young people, particularly students, played a crucial role in organizing and leading the movement, demonstrating their capacity for leadership and their commitment to democratic values and citizen rights.

The uprising created a sense of momentum and possibility for political change that had not been seen in Bangladesh for many years. It inspired citizens to believe that change was possible and that they could play a meaningful role in shaping the country's political future through organized action and democratic participation.

The Students Against Discrimination movement emerged from the July 2024 uprising as a powerful force for democratic change and citizen rights. This movement represented a new approach to political activism that focused on grassroots organizing, citizen mobilization, and democratic participation rather than traditional political party structures.

The movement was characterized by its commitment to democratic values, transparency, and citizen participation. Unlike traditional political organizations that were often hierarchical and closed, the Students Against Discrimination movement promoted open, democratic decision-making and encouraged active participation from all members.

The movement's name reflected its core mission: fighting against all forms of discrimination and prejudice, including those based on religion, ethnicity, gender, social class, or political affiliation. This commitment to equality and justice resonated with citizens across Bangladesh who were frustrated with discrimination and inequality in society.

The Students Against Discrimination movement was particularly effective in mobilizing young people and students, who had traditionally been excluded from meaningful political participation. The movement provided a platform for young people to voice their concerns, participate in political activism, and contribute to democratic change.

The movement also emphasized the importance of education and awareness-raising in promoting democratic values and citizen rights. Through workshops, seminars, and public events, the movement educated citizens about their rights, democratic principles, and the importance of political participation.

One of the movement's key achievements was its ability to build coalitions and alliances with other civil society organizations, student groups, and citizen movements. This coalition-building approach helped to amplify the movement's impact and create a broader base of support for democratic reform.

The movement also played a crucial role in developing new leaders and activists who would later become key figures in the National Citizen Party. Through their participation in the movement, young people gained valuable experience in organizing, leadership, and democratic participation that would serve them well in political leadership roles.

The Students Against Discrimination movement demonstrated that citizens could organize effectively for democratic change without relying on traditional political parties or established political structures. This success inspired confidence in the possibility of creating new forms of political organization that were more democratic, transparent, and responsive to citizen needs.

Following the success of the July uprising and the Students Against Discrimination movement, student rights activists and members of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee (National Citizen's Committee) began the careful process of planning and organizing for the establishment of a new political party. This formation process was crucial in ensuring that the new party would be sustainable, democratic, and effective in promoting citizen rights and democratic values.

The formation process began in December 2024 with extensive consultations among student activists, civil society leaders, and concerned citizens who shared a commitment to democratic values and political reform. These consultations were designed to ensure that the new party would represent a broad range of perspectives and interests while maintaining a clear focus on democratic principles and citizen welfare.

During this period, activists worked to consolidate ideas, develop policy positions, and create organizational structures that would support the new party's mission and goals. This included developing a clear vision and mission statement, establishing core values and principles, and creating frameworks for democratic decision-making and citizen participation.

The formation process also involved building alliances and partnerships with other organizations and movements that shared similar goals and values. This coalition-building approach helped to create a broader base of support for the new party and ensured that it would have the resources and support needed to succeed in Bangladesh's competitive political environment.

One of the key challenges during the formation process was ensuring that the new party would be different from traditional political parties in Bangladesh. Activists were determined to create a party that was truly democratic, transparent, and responsive to citizen needs, rather than just another political organization focused on gaining and maintaining power.

The formation process also included extensive planning for the party's organizational structure, including leadership roles, decision-making processes, and mechanisms for citizen participation. This planning was designed to ensure that the party would operate democratically and transparently from the beginning.

Throughout the formation process, activists maintained close contact with citizens and communities to ensure that the new party would be responsive to their needs and concerns. This citizen engagement approach helped to build support for the new party and ensured that it would have a strong foundation of citizen support.

The formation process culminated in February 2025 with the official establishment of the National Citizen Party, marking a historic moment as Bangladesh's first student-led political party. This establishment represented the successful completion of months of careful planning and organization.

On February 28, 2025, the National Citizen Party was officially established, marking a historic moment as Bangladesh's first student-led political party. This establishment represented the culmination of months of careful planning, organization, and citizen mobilization that had begun with the July 2024 uprising and the Students Against Discrimination movement.

The official establishment of NCP was not just a symbolic gesture but a concrete step toward creating a new model of political organization in Bangladesh. The party was founded with a clear commitment to democratic values, transparency, and citizen welfare, representing a fundamental departure from traditional political parties that had been dominated by political dynasties and elite interests.

The establishment ceremony was attended by student activists, civil society leaders, and citizens from across Bangladesh who had supported the movement for democratic reform. This broad participation demonstrated the widespread support for the new party and its mission of promoting democratic values and citizen rights.

During the establishment ceremony, the party's leadership structure was announced, with Nahid Islam serving as Leader, Akhter Hossen as Secretary, and Saleh Uddin Sifat as Spokesperson. This leadership team represented a new generation of political leaders who were committed to democratic values and citizen welfare.

The establishment of NCP also marked the beginning of a new chapter in Bangladesh's political history, where citizens, particularly students and young people, could play a meaningful role in political leadership and decision-making. This represented a significant shift from traditional political parties that had been dominated by established elites and political dynasties.

The party's establishment was accompanied by the announcement of its core values and principles, including commitment to democratic governance, anti-corruption, anti-discrimination, and citizen-centered policies. These values would guide all of the party's activities and decision-making processes.

The establishment of NCP also represented a new approach to political organization in Bangladesh, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and citizen participation rather than traditional political practices focused on gaining and maintaining power. This approach would become a defining characteristic of the party and distinguish it from traditional political organizations.

The official establishment of NCP was widely covered by media and received significant attention from citizens across Bangladesh. This attention reflected the public's interest in the new party and its potential to bring about meaningful political change in the country.

On the same day as the party's official establishment, NCP announced the formation of a 151-member committee with Nahid Islam serving as convener. This large and diverse committee was designed to ensure that the party would be representative of Bangladesh's diverse population and would have the capacity to address a wide range of issues and concerns.

The 151-member committee represented people from different backgrounds, ideologies, and experiences, reflecting the party's inclusive approach to political organization. This diversity was seen as a strength that would help the party to understand and address the needs and concerns of different communities and groups in Bangladesh.

The committee structure was designed to promote democratic decision-making and ensure that all members had a voice in party affairs. Unlike traditional political parties where power was concentrated in the hands of a few leaders, NCP's committee structure promoted collective decision-making and shared responsibility.

The committee included representatives from various sectors of society, including students, professionals, civil society leaders, and community activists. This broad representation helped to ensure that the party would be connected to different communities and would have the knowledge and experience needed to address a wide range of issues.

The committee also included specialized working groups and subcommittees that focused on specific issues and areas of concern. These working groups allowed the party to develop expertise in different areas and to create detailed policy positions and recommendations.

The formation of the 151-member committee also represented a commitment to building a strong organizational foundation for the party. This large committee provided the party with the human resources and expertise needed to operate effectively and to compete with established political parties in Bangladesh.

The committee structure also included mechanisms for regular meetings, decision-making, and communication among members. These mechanisms were designed to ensure that the party would operate democratically and transparently, with all members having access to information and opportunities to participate in decision-making.

The formation of the committee also marked the beginning of the party's efforts to build relationships with citizens and communities across Bangladesh. Committee members were expected to engage with their communities, listen to citizen concerns, and represent their interests in party decision-making processes.

In March 2025, NCP began forming its political wings, including the National Youth Power (youth wing), NCP Worker's Wing (161 members), and NCP Doctor's Wing. These specialized wings were designed to represent different sectors of society and expand the party's reach and influence across various communities and professional groups.

The formation of these political wings represented a strategic approach to building support and representation across different sectors of society. Each wing was designed to address the specific needs and concerns of its target group while contributing to the party's overall mission and goals.

The National Youth Power wing was particularly important given NCP's status as a student-led party. This wing was responsible for mobilizing young people, promoting youth leadership, and ensuring that the party remained connected to the concerns and aspirations of Bangladesh's youth.

The NCP Worker's Wing was established to represent the interests of workers and laborers, who had often been marginalized in traditional political parties. This wing was designed to promote workers' rights, address labor-related issues, and ensure that the party had strong support among working-class citizens.

The NCP Doctor's Wing was created to address healthcare issues and represent the interests of medical professionals. This wing was important for developing healthcare policies and ensuring that the party had expertise in healthcare-related issues.

The development of these political wings also represented a commitment to building a broad-based political organization that could represent the diverse interests and concerns of Bangladesh's population. This approach helped to ensure that the party would have strong support across different sectors of society.

Since its establishment, the National Citizen Party has achieved several key milestones that have established it as a credible and effective political organization in Bangladesh. These achievements demonstrate the party's commitment to democratic values, citizen welfare, and political reform.

These milestones represent significant achievements in building a new model of political organization in Bangladesh. They demonstrate the party's ability to mobilize citizens, build organizational capacity, and establish itself as a credible alternative to traditional political parties.

The party's achievements also include building strong relationships with civil society organizations, developing comprehensive policy positions, and creating mechanisms for citizen participation and democratic decision-making.

The formation and development of the National Citizen Party has not been without challenges. As a new political organization challenging traditional political structures, NCP has faced various obstacles and difficulties that have tested the party's commitment and resilience.

Despite these challenges, NCP has demonstrated resilience and determination in pursuing its mission of promoting democratic values and citizen welfare. The party's ability to overcome these challenges has strengthened its commitment and demonstrated its potential for long-term success.

The challenges faced by NCP have also provided valuable learning experiences that have helped the party to develop better strategies, build stronger relationships with citizens, and create more effective organizational structures.

Today, the National Citizen Party continues to fight for citizen rights, democratic values, and a better Bangladesh for all. The party has established itself as a credible alternative to traditional political parties and continues to work toward its mission of promoting democratic governance, transparency, and citizen welfare.

The party's current activities include ongoing efforts to build organizational capacity, develop policy positions, and engage with citizens across Bangladesh. NCP continues to work with civil society organizations, student groups, and other movements that share similar goals and values.

Looking to the future, NCP has ambitious plans to expand its reach and influence, participate in upcoming elections, and work toward implementing its policy agenda. The party is committed to continuing its mission of promoting democratic values and citizen welfare while building a stronger foundation for future generations.

The party's future plans include strengthening its organizational structures, expanding its membership base, and developing comprehensive policy platforms that address the needs and concerns of all citizens. NCP is also committed to building international partnerships and learning from democratic movements around the world.

As Bangladesh's first student-led political party, NCP represents a new model of political organization that prioritizes citizen welfare over political power and promotes democratic values and transparency. The party's continued success will depend on its ability to maintain its commitment to these values while building the organizational capacity needed to compete effectively in Bangladesh's political environment.

The National Citizen Party's journey from student movement to political party represents a significant achievement in Bangladesh's political history. The party's success in establishing itself as a credible political organization demonstrates the potential for new forms of political organization that prioritize democratic values and citizen welfare.