Rangpur: A new political party is set to be launched in Bangladesh by February next year, as announced by Akhtar Hossain, the member-secretary of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee. The initiative is a joint effort between the anti-discrimination student movement, which spearheaded the July uprising, and the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, aiming to establish a centrist political entity in the country.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Akhtar Hossain shared these details during separate programs in Kawnia upazila and Rangpur Carmichael College. During the day, he distributed 1,000 blankets to the cold-stricken poor and distressed at a function held at Kawnia Girls’ High School ground. He also engaged in public interactions at Kawnia Bazar and later spoke to students from Pirgachha and Kawnia upazilas studying at Rangpur Carmichael College and Begum Rokeya University.
Akhtar revealed that 200 Thana committees for the prospective political party have already been established nationwide. By January, an additional 400 Thana committees are expected to be formed, paving the way for the official party announcement in February. The party’s name will be decided after further deliberations.
He emphasized that the party will stand against any form of religious extremism, including Islamophobia, Hinduism extremism, or Muslim extremism. Akhtar criticized attempts to involve the Awami League in the next election, attributing such efforts to connections with Delhi. He asserted that the people of Bangladesh would resist these efforts vehemently.
Akhtar expressed dissatisfaction with the current constitution, claiming it facilitates dictatorial tendencies similar to those of Hasina. He advocated for a new constitution that ensures accountability for any future Prime Minister, reflecting the people’s desire for change after 50 years of independence.
Akhtar criticized Sheikh Hasina for alleged financial misconduct related to the construction of the Padma Bridge, accusing her of embezzling funds equivalent to the cost of building 78 Padma Bridges. He vowed to prevent any future money laundering by political parties.
He also announced plans to implement the Teesta Master Plan and develop an economic zone on the banks of Teesta, between Kawnia and Pirgachha upazilas, aiming to transform these areas into model upazilas.
Present at the programs were Rangpur divisional, district, and Kawnia upazila organizers of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, including Alamgir Hossain, Arif Hossain, Rezwan Hossain, Suman Ahmed, Alamgir Nayan, M Alamgir Kabir, Engineer Sheikh Rezwan, MI Suman, Khandaker Mainul Haque Meem, Rifat Hasan, Shamim Hossain, and Shipon Ahmed Himu.