In a significant political development, former leaders of the Students Against Discrimination (SAD) have launched a new student organization aimed at shaping the future of Bangladesh. The Democratic Student Council (DSC) was officially unveiled during a news conference on Wednesday, marking a pivotal moment as the nation seeks to redefine its political landscape following the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League government.
The DSC intends to unite individuals from various political backgrounds as the country embarks on a journey of rebuilding. The formation of this organization comes in the wake of a widespread uprising against Hasina, with its founders emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and representation in the political sphere. They have gathered feedback from nearly 200,000 people, both online and offline, to identify pressing issues and the political direction they should pursue.
Inspiration for the DSC's formation has been drawn from successful political movements around the world. Leaders cite the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in India, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) led by Imran Khan, and Turkiye's Justice and Development Party (AK Party) as models to emulate. However, party leaders stress that while they admire these organizations, their aim is to set a distinct example tailored to Bangladesh's unique context.
Nahid Islam, one of the party's key figures, articulated the group's vision: “We will rebuild the state with Bangladesh at the centre, keeping the interests of its people first.” This commitment to prioritizing local needs resonates deeply in a nation recently marked by political strife.
The DSC's leaders have expressed their determination to ensure equal rights for all citizens, regardless of their background. They plan to steer clear of ideological divisions that have historically fragmented Bangladeshi politics. "In the Bangladesh of tomorrow, we do not want these divisions to persist," stated Akhtar Hossen, emphasizing that their goal is to secure equal rights for everyone, whether a university professor or a daily wage laborer.
Despite its optimistic agenda, the formation of the DSC has elicited mixed reactions across the political spectrum. While some welcome this new initiative, others remain skeptical. BNP deputy leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir questioned the neutrality of the interim government from which many DSC members have emerged. He warned that the public may reject what he calls a "state-sponsored king's party."
Shafiqur Rahman, another political analyst, cautioned that members who join the interim government as nonpartisan figures could compromise their neutrality once they engage in politics. He stated, “By joining the interim government, they share its successes and failures.” This skepticism reflects a broader concern about the potential for political manipulation in a climate still recovering from authoritarian rule.
Leaders of the DSC have pledged to distance themselves from pro-India or pro-Pakistan politics, affirming their commitment to a distinctly Bangladeshi agenda. “There will be no place for pro-India or pro-Pakistan politics in Bangladesh,” Nahid Islam reiterated during the press conference.
The newly formed party’s central committee is expected to consist of approximately 150 members drawn from across the ideological spectrum, including leftists and conservatives. This broad representation aims to foster unity among diverse political factions and translate collective aspirations into actionable policies.
Students like Abu Baker Mazumdar see this new organization as vital in continuing the momentum of the July movement against discrimination. “We have formed this new organization to uphold the spirit of the July movement among students,” he remarked.
While there is hope for an inclusive and democratic approach to governance, concerns linger regarding Bangladesh's political history. Mia Golam Parwar expressed caution but also optimism: "We have a bitter history of rulers forming state-sponsored political parties and imposing authoritarianism on the people. But we want to believe that this new political party will introduce a democratic, safe and inclusive approach to Bangladesh’s politics, benefitting the people.”
The DSC’s leaders recognize that they must earn public trust following their emergence from a tumultuous period marked by protests and upheaval. Rony, another prominent figure within the party, noted that support garnered during the uprising against Hasina does not guarantee ongoing political backing. “They must realize that broad-based support during the uprising will not automatically transform into political support,” he emphasized.
As Bangladesh navigates this transitional phase, many citizens are placing their hopes on new leadership that prioritizes good governance and civic benefits for all. Lima Akter encapsulated this sentiment by stating, “Our politics will be about good governance, ensuring equality and securing civic benefits for all.”
Shafiqul Islam, a student representative, expressed relief at the opportunity for change: “We had no freedom of expression under the previous regime. We don’t want violence in educational institutions in the name of politics. Corruption remains a major obstacle to our progress, and we want a permanent end to it. This new party is our hope.”
