Bangladesh’s Political Turmoil: A New Student-Led Party Enters the Arena

Bangladesh has been grappling with political instability since the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August last year. The country has remained in a state of unrest, with power struggles and governance issues continuing to deepen the crisis. Now, a new political force has emerged—a party led by the very students who spearheaded the protests that led to Hasina’s removal.

The Rise of the National Citizen Party

Thousands of students and young activists gathered in Dhaka to witness the formation of the National Citizen Party, a political movement born out of last year’s anti-government protests. The party consists largely of students who once operated under the banner Students Against Discrimination. Their movement played a crucial role in toppling Sheikh Hasina’s government, and now they seek to take direct control of Bangladesh’s political future.

One of the most notable figures in this movement is Nahed Islam, a 26-year-old former sociology student from Dhaka University. He gained prominence as a coordinator of the protests and later became a key member of the interim government led by Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus. However, Islam has now resigned from his position in the interim government to take on a new role as the convener of the National Citizen Party.

Political Fallout and Opposition Reactions

The rise of Nahed Islam and his party has sparked criticism from established political forces, particularly the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The BNP, which had anticipated benefiting from Hasina’s downfall, now finds itself competing against a new political rival. BNP leaders have accused Islam of trying to play both sides—participating in governance under the interim regime while simultaneously building his own political movement.

In response to the backlash, Islam officially stepped down from his position in the interim government, signaling his full commitment to the new party. His move has intensified tensions within Bangladesh’s political landscape, with the BNP and other factions viewing the National Citizen Party as a disruptor to their plans for reclaiming power.

The Military’s Concerns and Possible Intervention

Amid the growing political fragmentation, Bangladesh’s Army Chief has voiced concerns about the deteriorating law and order situation. He has criticized political factions for their infighting, warning that continued instability could threaten the country's sovereignty and security. His remarks have fueled speculation that the military could step in if the crisis worsens.

The Army Chief’s statement—“If you can't move beyond your differences and continue meddling and fighting among yourselves, the independence and integrity of the country will be at risk”—is being interpreted as a veiled warning to political leaders. The possibility of military intervention remains a looming factor in Bangladesh’s volatile political environment.

Foreign Relations and India's Role

Bangladesh’s internal turmoil has also strained its diplomatic relations, particularly with India. The country’s leadership, across different factions, has often blamed New Delhi for domestic issues ranging from law and order problems to natural disasters like flooding. While Bangladeshi leaders have repeatedly stated their intention to maintain good relations with India, accusations against New Delhi persist.

With the emergence of the National Citizen Party, questions remain about its stance on foreign relations. Nahed Islam has stated that he wants Bangladesh to remain neutral—not aligning with India or Pakistan. However, critics argue that his previous role in the interim government, which had a complicated relationship with India, casts doubt on his commitment to true neutrality.

What Lies Ahead for Bangladesh?

Bangladesh’s political future remains uncertain as new players enter the scene. The formation of a student-led party introduces an unpredictable element into the already chaotic landscape. With the BNP trying to reclaim power, the military hinting at potential intervention, and foreign relations at stake, the coming months will be critical in shaping the country's trajectory.

Will the National Citizen Party bring stability, or will it add to Bangladesh’s political turmoil? The answer will unfold as the country heads into yet another phase of intense political competition.