National Citizen Party

Several names were proposed in the opinion polls for the party, with top names included Revolutionary Popular Struggle Party, National Revolutionary Power, People Against Discrimination, Bangladesh Citizen Party, National Citizen Committee, Student–People's Party, National People Power Party, and National Citizen Power.{{Cite web |last=আরেফিন |first=ইউসুফ |date=2025-02-14 |title=আলোচনায় শিক্ষার্থীদের দলের ৮ নাম, ৩ প্রতীক |url=https://www.kalbela.com/ajkerpatrika/firstpage/164025 |access-date=2025-03-25 |website=Daily Kalbela |language=bn-BD}} For the party's symbol, top proposals included a clenched fist, elephant, tiger and hilsa fish.

File:7.Bangladesh quota reform movement 2024.jpg in 2024]]

A faction of the Bangladesh Chhatra Odhikar Parishad, which led the 2018 quota reform movement, split from the group and formed a student organization called Gonotantrik Chhatra Shakti on October 2, 2023. In 2024, alongside most student organizations in Bangladesh, the leaders of Gonotantrik Chhatra Shakti joined a non-partisan political platform named the Students Against Discrimination, participating in the quota reform and non-cooperation movements. The members of this new student organization played a leading role in these movements. On August 5, 2024, during the student-people uprising, Sheikh Hasina, the President of the ruling Awami League, resigned from the position of Prime Minister and fled to India, leading to the fall of her government. After the success of the uprising, rumors spread that the Students Against Discrimination was going to form a new political party. However, on August 16, the organization's central coordinator and advisor to the interim government, Nahid Islam, dismissed these rumors, stating that there were no plans to form a party at the moment, and that their organization was focused on implementing a new political arrangement as per their proposed manifesto.{{Cite news |date=16 August 2024 |script-title=bn:নতুন রাজনৈতিক বন্দোবস্ত এক দফার অংশ ছিল: নাহিদ ইসলাম |url=https://www.ittefaq.com.bd/696747/%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%88%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%95-%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A6%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A4-%E0%A6%8F%E0%A6%95-%E0%A6%A6%E0%A6%AB%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%85%E0%A6%82%E0%A6%B6-%E0%A6%9B%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B2-%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A6 |work=The Daily Ittefaq |language=bn}}

On September 8, the Jatiya Nagorik Committee was established under the leadership of Akhter Hossain, convener of Gonotantrik Chhatra Shakti, and Nasiruddin Patwari of Amar Bangladesh Party, with the aim of restructuring the country.{{Cite web |title=Jatiya Nagorik Committee unveiled with Nasir Uddin as convenor, Akhter as member secretary |url=https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/003946c71c50 |access-date=24 February 2025 |website=bdnews24.com |language=en}} On September 14, 2024, Gonotantrik Chhatra Shaktiwas dissolved. The announcement of the dissolution, following the upheaval, led to speculations that the organization's leaders would enter politics. On the other hand, a source within the organization revealed that the key leaders of Gonotantrik Chhatra Shakti were working towards forming a political party. However, on October 25, the central coordinator of the Students Against Discrimination and main organizer of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, Sarjis Alam, stated that forming a new political party immediately after the uprising would cause division within the country. He mentioned that while they had the right to form a political party, it could be done in the future under a different platform and name.{{Cite web |script-title=bn:বৈষম্যবিরোধী ছাত্র আন্দোলনের নতুন রাজনৈতিক দল গঠনের অধিকার আছে |url=https://www.bonikbarta.com/bangladesh/1WveMcKIvF22DMc4 |access-date=24 February 2025 |website=Bonik Barta}} On October 27, Asif Mahmud, the central coordinator of the Students Against Discrimination and advisor to the interim government, labeled the rumors of a new party as propaganda, stating that "now is not the time to form a party."{{Cite web |title=Asif Mahmud refutes claims of party formation by students |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/foreign-affairs/363346/adviser-asif-false-propaganda-is-being-spread |access-date=24 February 2025 |website=Dhaka Tribune |language=en}}

In November 2024, Sarjis Alam highlighted the need for more political parties in Bangladesh and left the decision of forming a new student-led political party to the people. In the same month, it was decided that after the formation of a political party by the Students Against Discrimination and the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, both organizations would not be dissolved. Instead, they would function as "pressure groups" for the new party, allowing their members to join the party without any formal affiliation to the organizations.

In December 2024, a survey published by the BRAC Institute of Governance and Development indicated that 40% of voters would support the new student-led party in the upcoming national elections.{{Cite journal |date=October 2024 |title=Pulse Survey on Citizen Perceptions, Expectations, and Experiences |url=https://bigd.bracu.ac.bd/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Pulse-Survey-Phase-2.pdf |journal=BRAC Institute of Governance and Development}} In December, a source revealed that the new party would be officially launched in February of the following year.{{Cite web |date=17 December 2024 |title=Students, Nagorik committee: We'll form a political party within 2 months |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/politics/news/students-nagorik-committee-well-form-political-party-within-2-months-3777801 |access-date=24 February 2025 |website=The Daily Star |language=en}} It was also reported that committees would be formed in every police precinct across Bangladesh by January to support this goal.{{cite news|url=https://www.itvbd.com/politics/192188/%E0%A6%AB%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%AC%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%81%E0%A7%9F%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%86%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%9B%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%9B%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%A6%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%83%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AC%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%88%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%95|title=ফেব্রুয়ারিতে আসছে ছাত্রদের নেতৃত্বে নতুন রাজনৈতিক দল|language=bn|first=Nure|last=Alam|date=27 December 2024|work=Independent Television}}

File:Sarjis Alam at Jatiya Nagorik Committee office 12.jpg at the headquarters of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee. The organisation contributed to the formation of the new political party.]]

In January 2025, over a hundred names were proposed for the new party by the planners. On January 27, a public opinion poll released by the Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center revealed that young people were more interested in reforms within existing political parties than in the new political party.{{Cite web |script-title=bn:নতুন দল গঠনের চেয়ে রাজনৈতিক দলগুলোর সংস্কার চান তরুণরা! |url=https://www.banglatribune.com/others/883843/%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%A6%E0%A6%B2-%E0%A6%97%E0%A6%A0%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%9A%E0%A7%87%E0%A7%9F%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%88%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%95-%E0%A6%A6%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%97%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%82%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%9A%E0%A6%BE%E0%A7%9F |access-date=24 February 2025 |website=Bangla Tribune |language=bn}} According to a report by Amar Desh newspaper, students at Dhaka University had positively accepted the idea of the new political party formed by the students involved in the uprising.{{Cite web |script-title=bn:ছাত্রদের নতুন রাজনৈতিক দল নিয়ে ঢাবি শিক্ষার্থীদের ভাবনা |url=https://dailyamardesh.com/education/amd6uquo10srm |access-date=24 February 2025 |website=Amar Desh |language=en}}

In 5 February, public opinion surveys regarding the new party began.{{Cite web |last=প্রতিবেদক |first=নিজস্ব |date=5 February 2025 |script-title=bn:নতুন দল গঠন নিয়ে সারা দেশে জনমত জরিপ শুরু হচ্ছে: জানালেন নাগরিক কমিটি ও বৈষম্যবিরোধী নেতারা |url=https://www.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/0wcwne7ghj |access-date=24 February 2025 |website=Prothom Alo |language=bn}} In early February 2025, various sources indicated that Nahid Islam might be the proposed convener (leader) of the party.{{Cite web |script-title=bn:ছাত্রদের নতুন দল: নেতৃত্বে থাকছেন নাহিদ! |url=https://www.ittefaq.com.bd/717569/%E0%A6%9B%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%A6%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%A6%E0%A6%B2-%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%83%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AC%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%A5%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%9B%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A6 |access-date=27 February 2025 |website=The Daily Ittefaq |language=bn}} In the same month, the Students Against Discrimination and the Jatiya Nagorik Committee reached a final decision to form a new political party. According to reports from February 13, the final preparations for the formation of the party were ongoing. According to information provided by the leaders of the Nagorik Committee, the announcement of the formation of the political party was planned for between February 23–25.{{Cite web |script-title=bn:ছাত্রদের নতুন দল আসতে পারে ২৪ ফেব্রুয়ারি |url=https://www.kalbela.com/ajkerpatrika/firstpage/163736 |access-date=24 February 2025 |website=Daily Kalbela |language=bn-BD}} During a meeting of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, Akhter Hossain's name was tentatively finalized for the position of leader.{{Cite web |script-title=bn:নাহিদ-আখতারে আস্থা বেশির ভাগ নেতার |url=https://www.jugantor.com/tp-firstpage/917635 |access-date=27 February 2025 |website=Jugantor |language=bn}}

It has been reported that the announcement of the new political party's formation will take place at an event held either at Dhaka's Central Shaheed Minar or in front of the National Parliament Building on Manik Mia Avenue.{{Cite web |date=16 February 2025 |script-title=bn:২৪ ফেব্রুয়ারি নতুন রাজনৈতিক দলের ঘোষণা দিতে পারেন শিক্ষার্থীরা |url=https://www.tbsnews.net/bangla/%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%82%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A6%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B6/news-details-312366 |access-date=27 February 2025 |website=The Business Standard |language=bn}} The party's headquarters is planned to be established in Farmgate or Banani, Dhaka. According to Samanta Sharmin, the spokesperson of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, an application for registration will be submitted to the Election Commission as soon as possible after the party's formation is announced. It was learned that, as part of its political activities to attract public attention, the party plans to organize a 15-day-long march from the home of martyr Abu Sayeed in Rangpur (who was killed in the July massacre) to the home of another martyr, Wasim Akram, in Chattogram.{{Cite web |script-title=bn:এ মাসের শেষ সপ্তাহে ছাত্রদের নতুন দল ঘোষণার সম্ভাবনা |url=https://www.dailyjanakantha.com/politics/news/773786 |access-date=27 February 2025 |website=Janakantha |language=bn}}{{Cite web |date=16 February 2025 |script-title=bn:ছাত্রদের রাজনৈতিক দল আসছে ২৪ ফেব্রুয়ারি |url=https://www.kalerkantho.com/print-edition/first-page/2025/02/16/1481324 |access-date=27 February 2025 |website=Kaler Kantho |language=bn}} However, considering that Ramadan is upcoming, this plan may be temporarily postponed.

By February 17, the final decision was made regarding who would occupy the nine positions in the new party. It was reported that Samantha Sharmin or Umama Fatema from the Students Against Discrimination could be selected for the position of spokesperson. On the same day, Nahid Islam announced that he would formally decide whether he would leave his advisory position and join the new party within the current week.{{Cite web |script-title=bn:নাহিদ উপদেষ্টার পদ ছাড়বেন মঙ্গলবার, দল ঘোষণা পরদিন |url=https://samakal.com/politics/article/282221/%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A6-%E0%A6%89%E0%A6%AA%E0%A6%A6%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B7%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%AA%E0%A6%A6-%E0%A6%9B%E0%A6%BE%E0%A7%9C%E0%A6%AC%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%99%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%97%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%A6%E0%A6%B2%E2%80%88%E0%A6%98%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%B7%E0%A6%A3%E0%A6%BE-%E0%A6%AA%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%A6%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A8 |access-date=24 February 2025 |website=Samakal |language=en}}

On February 19, it was revealed that discussions were being accelerated regarding the addition of Nurul Haque Nur from the Ganadhikar Parishad to the new party, amid a dispute over the position of member secretary. He had expressed interest in either the role of convener or member secretary. However, the organizers of the new party preferred Nahid Islam as the convener, which led to the possibility of an alliance between the new party and Ganadhikar Parishad. According to an online survey conducted by Daily Ittefaq from February 17 to 19, Sarjis Alam had secured the top spot for the position of member secretary, surpassing Nasiruddin Patwari and Akhter Hossain.{{Cite web |script-title=bn:ইত্তেফাক ডিজিটালে জরিপ: সদস্য সচিব পদে এগিয়ে সারজিস |url=https://www.ittefaq.com.bd/720330/%E0%A6%87%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%AB%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%95-%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%AA-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%A6%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AF-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%9A%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%AC-%E0%A6%AA%E0%A6%A6%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%8F%E0%A6%97%E0%A6%BF%E0%A7%9F%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B8 |access-date=24 February 2025 |website=The Daily Ittefaq |language=bn}} A source on February 20 indicated that the new party could be officially launched on the 26th. On February 21, it was reported that the number of positions in the new party would be increased to resolve conflicts over party roles. It was also revealed that former military personnel would join the new party, and the Jatiya Nagorik Committee was scheduled to meet with some of them on February 22. According to sources on February 22, while nine names were under consideration for the new party, English names were being prioritized. However, due to the number of candidates exceeding the number of positions, the organizers were under pressure to finalize the committee.{{Cite web |last=ইসলাম |first=মো সাইফুল |date=22 February 2025 |script-title=bn:নেতা বাছাইয়ে ‘হিমশিম’, নাম হবে ‘ইংরেজিতে’ |url=https://www.dhakapost.com/exclusive/345844 |access-date=24 February 2025 |website=Dhaka Post |language=bn}}

File:Leaders of NCP at Launch event of the National Citizen Party 06.jpg, Dhaka.]]

{{blockquote|text=In July 2024, through immense sacrifice, the students and the masses orchestrated an unprecedented uprising, toppling the fascist regime that had gripped the country for nearly a decade and a half. However, we must remember that this new freedom, won through the sacrifices of countless martyrs, was not simply to replace one government with another. Rather, the people rose in response to the aspiration of dismantling the entrenched fascist system and rebuilding the state on the foundation of people's rights. It is with this vision that we announce the formation of the National Citizen Party (NCP)—a democratic, justice-oriented, and truly representative political party.

|multiline=yes

|author=Nahid Islam

|source=at the NCP's launch event{{cite news|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/politics/news/second-republic-new-constitution-youth-float-national-citizen-party-3836186|title=Second republic, new constitution: Youth float National Citizen Party|date=28 February 2025|newspaper=The Daily Star}}

}}

The launch event of the new party was attended by the families of those injured and killed in the uprising and the July massacre, political party leaders, diplomats, and student coordinators of public and private universities who led the July Revolution.{{cite news|url=https://jamuna.tv/news/596676|title=নতুন দলের আত্মপ্রকাশ কাল, চলছে প্রস্তুতি|language=bn|date=27 February 2025|work=Jamuna TV}} Various political figures, including chief adviser Muhammad Yunus and former prime minister Khaleda Zia, were invited to the launch ceremony.{{cite news|url=https://dailyinqilab.com/politics/news/737251|title='জাতীয় নাগরিক পার্টি'র আত্মপ্রকাশ শুক্রবার, ড. ইউনূসকে আমন্ত্রণ|language=bn|date=27 February 2025|newspaper=Daily Inqilab}} The launch ceremony began at 4:20 pm in 28 February.{{cite news|url=https://www.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/8qu7m74oah|title=জাতীয় নাগরিক পার্টির আত্মপ্রকাশ অনুষ্ঠান শুরু|language=bn|date=28 February 2025|newspaper=Prothom Alo}} After recitation from the Quran, Gita, Tripitaka, and Bible, the national anthem was sang. A minute of silence was then observed in memory of those killed in the July massacre.{{cite news|url=https://samakal.com/bangladesh/article/283081/%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%80%E0%A7%9F-%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%97%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%95-%E0%A6%AA%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%9E%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%9A%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%85%E0%A6%AD%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AF%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A5%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%BE%E0%A7%9F%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE|title=জাতীয় নাগরিক পার্টির মঞ্চে অভ্যুত্থানের নায়করা|language=bn|date=28 February 2025|newspaper=Samakal}} After showing documentaries, Mim Akhter, sister of victim Ismail Hossain Rabbi, who was killed in the July massacre, announced the launch of the party and announced the names of Nahid Islam as the convener and Akhter Hossain as the member secretary. Akhter Hossain then announced the names of the party's convening committee members. Then, as convener, Nahid Islam read out the manifesto of the National Citizens Party.{{cite news|url=https://www.prothomalo.com/politics/kp6t57fh1h|title=প্রাথমিক লক্ষ্য গণপরিষদের মাধ্যমে নতুন সংবিধান প্রণয়ন|language=bn|date=1 March 2025|newspaper=Prothom Alo}}

{{See also|Five-Point Demand}}

The party's primary goal is to establish a "second republic" which enshrined in their founding manifesto. NCP argues that the current Constitution of Bangladesh fosters "constitutional autocracy" which needs to be dismantled.{{cite news |title=Jatiya Nagorik Party manifesto calls for second republic, constitutional overhaul |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/politics/375039/jatiya-nagorik-party%E2%80%99s-manifesto-calls-for-a |access-date=14 March 2025 |work=Dhaka Tribune |language=en}} On its founding day, party leader Nahid Islam stated that they want to create a second republic by writing a fresh constitution to replace what they call unfair government control.{{Cite web |date=28 February 2025 |title=NCP demands Constituent Assembly election to write new constitution for 'second republic' |url=https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/politics/building-second-republic-not-elusive-dream-anymore-npc-chief-nahid-during-party?amp |access-date=1 March 2025 |website=The Business Standard |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=National Citizen Party targets establishing 'second republic' |url=https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/politics/fqnlgb6cyu |access-date=1 March 2025 |website=Prothom Alo |language=en}} Nahid Islam said the party will focus only on Bangladesh's needs, not on supporting India or Pakistan.{{Cite web |title=No room for pro-India, Pakistan politics in Bangladesh: Nahid Islam |url=https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/politics/66dmrj20pq |access-date=1 March 2025 |website=Prothom Alo |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=28 February 2025 |title=Nahid: No place for pro-India or pro-Pakistan politics in Bangladesh |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/amp/bangladesh/375032/nahid-no-place-for-pro-india-or-pro-pakistan |access-date=1 March 2025 |website=Dhaka Tribune |language=en}} The goal is to build a fair system where people's rights are protected, corruption and nepotism are eliminated, and wealth is shared more equally. They aim to prevent the return of authoritarian rule, build a self-sufficient economy, and ensure that no citizen faces discrimination or abuse of power.

The party describes itself as centrist and pluralist. Party's chief organiser (northern) Sarjis Alam described centrism and "Bangladeshpontha" as the "most important term[s]" in their party. Akhter Hossain described those as "Bangladeshponthi" who work for the interests of Bangladesh and are respective to the independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh.{{cite web|script-title=bn:নির্বাচন নিয়ে বিতর্ক: কাদের বলা হচ্ছে বাংলাদেশপন্থী?|url=https://www.dailyjanakantha.com/national/news/766911|website=Daily Janakantha|date=27 January 2025}} According to the organisers, the party would take a centrist approach rather than a left-wing or a right-wing ideology; with the core principles would include equality, justice and good governance. The organisers claim that they would try to avoid left-right division to reflect pluralism.{{cite news|url=https://protidinerbangladesh.com/politics/130863/%E0%A6%9B%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%A6%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%A6%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%82%E0%A6%B2-%E0%A6%AB%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B8-%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%B9%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A6|script-title=bn:ছাত্রদের দলের মূল ফোকাস বহুত্ববাদ|first=Akram|last=Hossain|date=26 February 2025|newspaper=Protidiner Bangladesh}} According to the top leaders of Students Against Discrimination and Jatiya Nagorik Committee, the political foundation of the party would be based on the creation of East Bengal in 1947, the independence of Bangladesh in 1971, and the July Revolution of 2024.{{Cite web |date=26 November 2024 |title=Students to launch political party by next February |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/politics/news/students-launch-political-party-next-february-3761611 |access-date=24 February 2025 |website=The Daily Star (Bangladesh) |language=en}} The organisers aim to create the party in an anti-authoritarian model.

However, it is still doubted how much "centrist" the party is. The party didn't formally clarify what "centrism" perceived to them, with many of its politicians having diverse or unclear concept of centrism. Party's senior joint convener Ariful Islam Adib described centrism as the "end of polarising politics" in Bangladesh. According to the political analyst and professor of Dhaka University Mohammad Mojibur Rahman:{{cite web|script-title=bn:মধ্যপন্থী দল হতে চায় এনসিপি, দাবি ও বাস্তবতার মিল কতটা?|url=https://www.bbc.com/bengali/articles/cj4n2dnzdk5o|website=BBC Bangla|date=5 March 2025}}{{blockquote|"But the reality is that people have been watching the party organisers since August of last year. Many of them have been involved in many incidents that do not go with the notion of centrism. They do not have any announced programme yet. It seems that they have entered the field unprepared."}}

Party's member secretary Akhter Hossain argued that his party wouldn't support secularism, saying: "In the fundamental principles of the existing constitution, Islamophobia has been practiced in Bangladesh in the name of secularism. Through this word, division has been created instead of religious harmony. More division is increasing through politics. We want to go beyond the politics which is of the word secularism and do the politics of harmony."{{cite web|script-title=bn:ধর্মনিরপেক্ষতা নয়, এনসিপির আদর্শ ধর্মীয় সম্প্রীতি|url=https://samakal.com/shilpomoncho-sakkhatkar/article/286205/%E0%A6%A7%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%AA%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B7%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BE-%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%9F-%E0%A6%8F%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%AA%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%86%E0%A6%A6%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B6-%E0%A6%A7%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%80%E0%A7%9F-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AA%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%80%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BF|website=Samakal|date=19 March 2025}} Acknowledging the concerns from the liberal background that the party may become aligned with right-wing Islamists, Nahid Islam refuted the allegations, describing them as "propaganda meant to tarnish the party's reputation". He stated that: "Islam is the majority religion in Bangladesh and we are sensitive to that, we are sensitive to those values, but we do not want to create any extremist party or any pro-Islamic party. This is very clear."{{cite web|first1=Hannah|last1=Elis-Petersen|first2=Redwan|last2=Ahmed|title=Building a 'second republic': students who led Bangladesh revolution launch political party|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/05/building-a-second-republic-students-who-led-bangladesh-revolution-launch-political-party|website=The Guardian|date=5 March 2025}}{{Cite web |date=5 March 2025 |title=In Bangladesh è stato fondato un partito politico che potrebbe scombussolare tutto |url=https://www.ilpost.it/2025/03/05/partito-studenti-bangladesh-proteste/ |access-date=5 March 2025 |website=Il Post |language=it}}

The party organisers said to have analysed the history of various political parties worldwide such as Turkey's Justice and Development Party (AKP), Pakistan's Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and India's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to win public support.{{Cite web |date=15 February 2025 |script-title=bn:এরদোয়ান, ইমরান খান, কেজরিওয়ালের মডেলে নতুন দল করতে চায় ছাত্ররা |url=https://www.bbc.com/bengali/articles/c8xqz4l08vlo |access-date=24 February 2025 |website=BBC Bangla |language=bn}} Party organisers opined that it would participate in the next general election independently without forming any alliance. However, a source from the Students Against Discrimination stated that if the interim government calls for a general election before implementing necessary state reforms, the party would refrain from participating.{{Cite web |date=12 February 2025 |script-title=bn:৩০০ আসনেই প্রার্থী দেওয়ার প্রস্তুতি নিচ্ছেন ‘ছাত্ররা’ |url=https://www.kalerkantho.com/online/Politics/2025/02/12/1480009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250214023927/https://www.kalerkantho.com/online/Politics/2025/02/12/1480009 |archive-date=14 February 2025 |access-date=24 February 2025 |website=Kaler Kantho |language=bn}} According to members of the executive committee of Jatiya Nagorik Committee, the party plans to announce a programme for 2035 and 2047.

File:NCP প্রতিষ্ঠার দিনে রাজধানী উত্তরা থেকে আগত র‍্যালি.jpg

Initially, it was proposed to form a joint convener committee of 150–170 members for the party under the leadership of Nasiruddin Patwari and Akhter Hossain.{{Cite web |date=19 February 2025 |script-title=bn:ছাত্রদের দলে থাকবেনা এক ব্যক্তির কর্তৃত্ব |url=https://www.ajkerpatrika.com/national/ajpgzqsvetuj2 |access-date=24 February 2025 |website=Ajker Patrika |language=bn}} It was reported that by February 2025, nearly 10,000 members had joined the 400 committees formed across the country for the new party. As of 22 February, the organisational positions of coordinator, member secretary, spokesperson, chief organizer, senior joint convener, and senior joint member secretary were finalised.{{Cite web |date=22 February 2025 |script-title=bn:নতুন রাজনৈতিক দলের শীর্ষ ছয়টি পদে আলোচনায় যারা |url=https://www.kalerkantho.com/online/Politics/2025/02/22/1483860 |access-date=24 February 2025 |website=Kaler Kantho}} The financial needs of the party would be met through monthly membership dues and crowdfunding.{{Cite web |script-title=bn:ছাত্রদের নতুন দলে যারা যোগ দেবেন, অর্থের জোগান আসবে যেভাবে |url=https://www.amadershomoy.com/political/article/138272/%E0%A6%9B%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%A6%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%A6%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%AF%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE-%E0%A6%AF%E0%A7%8B |access-date=24 February 2025 |website=Amader Shomoy |language=bn}}

Jatiya Nagorik Committee stated that the new party may include not only students but also retired military personnel, government officials, businesspeople and politicians those who were previously active in politics against the Awami League.

On 28 February 2025, the National Citizen Party (NCP) was formed, with Nahid Islam as the convener of the newly launched youth-led party, while Akhter Hossain will serve as the member secretary. The announcement was made by Mim Akhter, the sister of July mass uprising martyr Ismail Hossain Rabbi, at the party's launching ceremony held in front of the parliament complex in Dhaka's Manik Mia Avenue.{{Cite web |date=28 February 2025 |title=151-strong committee announced with Nahid as convener |url=https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/j5erchfuco |access-date=28 February 2025 |website=Prothom Alo |language=en}}

The party's leadership structure includes a 151-member committee. Hasnat Abdullah has been appointed as the chief organiser for the southern region, with Sarjis Alam taking the same role for the northern region. Samantha Sharmin and Ariful Islam Adib were named senior joint conveners, while Tasnim Zara and Nahida Sarwar Niva will serve as senior joint member secretaries. Other key appointments include Nasiruddin Patwari as chief coordinator and Abdul Hannan Masud as senior joint coordinator.{{Cite web |date=28 February 2025 |title=NCP announces 151-member committee with Nahid as convener |url=https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/politics/ncp-announces-151-member-committee-nahid-convener-1080941 |access-date=28 February 2025 |website=The Business Standard |language=en}} On 2 March, NCP declared its 171-member full committee, which includes politicians from diverse ideological background, ranging from rightists, leftists, Islamic clerics, Marxists, feminists, ethnic and religious minorities, Dalits and Harijans etc.{{cite web|title=People of different ideologies accommodate in full committee|url=https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/politics/3lioolglkw|website=Prothom Alo English|date=3 March 2025}}{{cite web|title=Bangladesh student protesters' party is up against dynasties. Now all it needs is clean money|url=https://theprint.in/opinion/national-citizen-party-bangladesh/2533698/|website=The Print|date=5 March 2025}}

Jatiya Nagorik Committee has a doctors' wing. After the formation of NCP, a portion of doctors in the party showed interests for a parallel doctors' wing for the new party. On 4 March, the convener of the JNC Doctors' Wing Dr. Abdul Ahad confirmed the formation of a doctors' wing for NCP.{{cite news|url=https://www.bd-pratidin.com/minister-spake/2025/03/04/1092103|title=চিকিৎসকদের নিয়ে দল গঠন করতে যাচ্ছে জাতীয় নাগরিক পার্টি|date=4 March 2025|newspaper=Bangladesh Protidin}}

{{Main|National Youth Power}}

On March 2025, Tariqul Islam of NCP declared the formation of a youth wing for NCP.{{cite news|url=https://www.kalerkantho.com/online/Politics/2025/03/05/1488555|title=গঠিত হচ্ছে জাতীয় নাগরিক পার্টির যুব উইং|date=5 March 2025|newspaper=Kaler Kantho}} The youth wing called National Youth Power is finally came into existence at 16 May 2025 in Shaheed Abrar Fahad Avenue, Gulistan, Dhaka.

On 23 March 2025, NCP Labour Wing was established with a 161-member central coordination committee.{{cite news|url=https://www.kalerkantho.com/online/Politics/2025/03/24/1496466|title=১৬১ সদস্যের শ্রমিক উইং গঠন করল জাতীয় নাগরিক পার্টি|date=24 March 2015|newspaper=Kaler Kantho}}

{{Main|Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad}}

File:Launching event of the National Citizen Party 41.jpg

A separate student organisation was planned for the new political party.{{cite news|url=https://www.prothomalo.com/politics/d5mxkjhz25|script-title=bn:নাহিদ আহ্বায়ক, সদস্যসচিব পদে আলোচনায় তিনজন|date=16 February 2025|newspaper=Prothom Alo}} It was said that the student organisation could be formed 3–5 days before the formation of the new party.{{cite news|url=https://www.tbsnews.net/bangla/%E0%A6%AD%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A1%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%93/news-details-312336|script-title=bn:নতুন ছাত্র সংগঠনে কারা থাকবেন?|date=16 February 2025|newspaper=The Business Standard}} However, on 17 February, former coordinators of the Students Against Discrimination, Abdul Kader and Abu Baker Mazumder, announced at a press conference held at the Madhur Canteen of Dhaka University that the student organisation would be independent of any political party.{{cite news|url=https://www.jaijaidinbd.com/education/531494|script-title=bn:আসছে নতুন ছাত্রসংগঠন, স্লোগান 'স্টুডেন্ট ফার্স্ট, বাংলাদেশ ফার্স্ট'|date=17 February 2025|newspaper=Jaijaidin}} Abdul Kader, former central coordinator of the organisation, stated that upon hearing the news of the new political party, they felt the need to form a student organisation that would be able to fill the vacuum in student politics caused by the absence of the Chhatra League. According to Kader, if a political party offers or works in line with the spirit of the revolution, the student organization will support that political party.{{cite news|url=https://www.jagonews24.com/politics/news/1002933|script-title=bn:নতুন ছাত্র সংগঠনের মূলভিত্তি হবে জুলাইয়ের স্পিরিট|first=Hasan|last=Ali|date=20 February 2025|work=Jago News}} Although the student organisation is said to be independent from the new party, there are ideological similarities between the two and it is believed that the new student organisation could function as the student wing of the party.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/bengali/articles/ceqjng174q9o|script-title=bn:'লেজুড়বৃত্তিক' ছাত্র রাজনীতি নিষিদ্ধ চেয়ে এখন ছাত্ররাই কেন সংগঠন তৈরি করছে?|first=Tafsir|last=Babu|date=21 February 2025|work=BBC Bangla}} On February 26, 2025, the student organisation was launched under the name Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad ({{langx|bn|বাংলাদেশ গণতান্ত্রিক ছাত্র সংসদ|lit=Bangladesh Democratic Students' Council}}), with Mazumdar as the convener.

A letter requesting the requisition of five government buses to bring in National Citizen Party (NCP) activists from Pirojpur district for the party’s launch event was leaked on social media, sparking widespread criticism. Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed deep concern over the incident.{{Cite web |title=TIB raises concern over bus requisition for NCP event |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/375124/tib-raises-concern-over-bus-requisition-for-ncp |access-date=2025-04-10 |website=Dhaka Tribune |language=en}}

Multiple political parties raised concerns about the new party formation process, accusing the neutral interim government of sponsoring it. On January 30, 2025, Nahid Islam stated that no decision has been made yet regarding his resignation.{{Cite web |title=Adviser Nahid: No decision on resignation made yet |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/372327/nahid-islam-no-decision-on-resignation-has-been |access-date=24 February 2025 |website=Dhaka Tribune |language=en}} In an interview by Financial Times published on the same day, the government's chief adviser and economist Muhammad Yunus expressed support for the students' formation of a new political party, despite discouraging them. However, he also expressed concern that they could become divided during the process of forming the party, and he acknowledged that they would have to continue their work with that risk in mind.{{Cite news |date=30 January 2025 |title=Transcript: Bangladesh students win a chance for change |url=https://www.ft.com/content/3bf8d32d-ae53-4e8f-a997-27abcb388e12 |access-date=24 February 2025 |work=Financial Times}}

The names of Nasiruddin Patwari, Akhter Hossain, and Sarjis Alam were under discussion for the position of member secretary of the new party.{{Cite web |last=প্রতিবেদক |first=নিজস্ব |date=16 February 2025 |script-title=bn:নাহিদ আহ্বায়ক, সদস্যসচিব পদে আলোচনায় তিনজন |url=https://www.prothomalo.com/politics/d5mxkjhz25 |access-date=24 February 2025 |website=Prothom Alo |language=bn}} During a meeting of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, Akhter Hossain's name was tentatively finalized for the position. However, a dispute broke out between Akhter Hossain's supporters and those of Ali Ahsan Junayed, who later resigned from the party, an former member of the Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir, over the position.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=26 February 2025 |script-title=bn:নাহিদ-আখতারদের নতুন দলে থাকছেন না শিবিরের সাবেক নেতা জোনায়েদ–রাফে |url=https://www.prothomalo.com/politics/91uffdml83 |access-date=28 February 2025 |website=Prothom Alo |language=bn}}{{Cite web |date=26 February 2025 |script-title=bn:নতুন রাজনৈতিক দলে থাকছেন না ঢাকা বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় শিবিরের সাবেক ২ সভাপতি |url=https://www.tbsnews.net/bangla/%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%82%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A6%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B6/news-details-315731 |access-date=28 February 2025 |website=The Business Standard |language=en}}

According to Amar Desh, disagreements between right-wing, centrist, and left-wing factions over who will be elected to various positions in the proposed party have caused delays in its formation.{{Cite web |script-title=bn:মতানৈক্যে বিলম্বিত ছাত্রদের রাজনৈতিক দল ঘোষণা |url=https://dailyamardesh.com/politics/amdvxb51pnpk3 |access-date=24 February 2025 |website=Amar Desh |language=Bn}} There were concerns that if the dispute over the member secretary position was not resolved, two new political parties might emerge.{{Cite web |script-title=bn:ছাত্রদের নতুন দল: অস্বস্তি নিয়েই আত্মপ্রকাশ হচ্ছে |url=https://www.khaborerkagoj.com/special-report/851339 |access-date=24 February 2025 |website=Khaborer Kagoj |language=bn}} On February 22, Prothom Alo published a report suggesting that there was an ongoing negotiation to include former members of the Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir in the new party.{{Cite web |date=22 February 2025 |title=Disputes over new party's top six posts settled |url=https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/politics/to9yc18gok |access-date=24 February 2025 |website=Prothom Alo |language=en}} Ali Ahsan Junayed refuted this claim, stating that the process of forming the political party should be transparent and democratic.{{Cite web |script-title=bn:নতুন রাজনৈতিক দল গঠন নিয়ে নাগরিক কমিটির যুগ্ম আহ্বায়কের স্ট্যাটাস |url=https://www.kalbela.com/social-media/166307 |access-date=24 February 2025 |website=Daily Kalbela |language=bn-BD}}

The party faced significant backlash over the inclusion of MD Muntasir Rahman, an LGBTQ rights advocate and openly gay individual, in its central committee. Many netizens criticised and accused for promotion of LGBTQ. Later, in a Facebook post, party's chief organiser (south) Hasnat Abdullah, highlighting his religious identity and without directly addressing Rahman's inclusion, called it an "unintentional mistake". Although no official statement was made by the party.{{cite web|first=Khandaker|last=Azizur Rahman|title=NCP faces backlash over LGBTQ inclusion in leadership|date=2 March 2025|website=Daily Observer|url=https://www.observerbd.com/news/514579}} Later, Rahman was excluded from its 217-member convening committee following the objections from Hasnat Abdullah and Sarjis Alam.{{cite web|first=Ashik|last=Abdullah Apu|title=A mixed bag in NCP convening committee|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/politics/news/mixed-bag-ncp-convening-committee-3837576|website=The Daily Star|date=3 March 2024}}

In March 2025, internal tensions emerged within the NCP after senior leaders made conflicting statements regarding a meeting with the Chief of Army Staff Waker-uz-Zaman held on 11 March. NCP Chief Organizer (South) Hasnat Abdullah alleged that military officials proposed reinstating a "refined" version of the Awami League, which he said is "entirely India's plan",{{cite web |title=NCP learned about Hasnat, Sarjis’ meeting with army chief after it happened: Nasiruddin |url=https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/ncp-learned-about-hasnat-sarjis-meeting-army-chief-after-it-happened-nasiruddin-1099856 |website=The Business Standard |date=25 March 2025 |access-date=8 April 2025}} {{cite web |title=Campuses across country burst into protests demanding AL ban |url=https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/campuses-across-country-burst-protests-demanding-al-ban-1098336 |website=The Business Standard |date=23 March 2025 |access-date=8 April 2025}} {{cite web |title=Those who established Shahbagh gave rise to fascism: Hasnat Abdullah |url=https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/those-who-established-shahbagh-gave-rise-fascism-hasnat-abdullah-1090556 |website=The Business Standard |date=20 March 2025 |access-date=8 April 2025}} {{cite web |title=Sarjis disagrees with Hasnat Abdullah’s Facebook post on military |url=https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/sarjis-disagrees-with-hasnat-abdullahs-facebook-post-on-military |website=The Financial Express |date=23 March 2025 |access-date=8 April 2025}} {{cite web |title=Nasiruddin clarifies NCP’s position after Sarjis’s remarks |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/politics/377043/nasiruddin-clarifies-ncp-s-position-after-sarjis |website=Dhaka Tribune |date=24 March 2025 |access-date=8 April 2025}} sparking demonstrations and political debate.{{cite web|title=Hasnat calls army's proposal to bring back 'refined' Awami League interference|url=https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/politics/hasnat-calls-armys-proposal-bring-back-refined-awami-league-interference-1098526|website=The Business Standard|date=21 March 2025}}{{cite web|title=Hasnat posts on Facebook about 'refined Awami League' proposal|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/politics/news/hasnat-posts-facebook-about-refined-awami-league-proposal-3853946|website=The Daily Star|date=22 March 2025}} Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary labeled Hasnat's remarks as unethical and inappropriate for social media, emphasizing that political matters should not be disclosed publicly without party consultation.{{cite web|title=Nasiruddin Patwari calls Hasnat Abdullah’s post unethical|url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/government-affairs/376999/nasiruddin-patwari-calls-hasnat-abdullah%E2%80%99s|website=Dhaka Tribune|date=23 March 2025}} Chief Organizer (North) Sarjis Alan confirmed the meeting and expressed concern over the impact of disclosing sensitive discussions, cautioning that such disclosures could undermine future dialogues.{{cite web|title=Unease in NCP over Hasnat, Sarjis's posts|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/politics/news/unease-ncp-over-hasnat-sarjiss-posts-3856041|website=The Daily Star|date=22 March 2025}}{{cite web|title=Sarjis disagrees with Hasnat Abdullah’s Facebook post on military|url=https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/sarjis-disagrees-with-hasnat-abdullahs-facebook-post-on-military|website=The Financial Express|date=23 March 2025}} The Army Headquarters later issued a statement dismissing Hasnat's claims as "a complete political stunt" and described his statements as "laughable and immature."{{cite web|title=Army HQ calls Hasnat's statement 'ridiculous and immature'|url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/377011|website=Dhaka Tribune|date=23 March 2025}}{{cite web|title=Bangladesh Army dismisses Hasnat’s post as ‘laughable and immature’: Netra News|url=https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/bangladesh-army-dismisses-hasnats-post-laughable-and-immature-netra-news-1099346|website=The Business Standard|date=23 March 2025}}{{cite web|title=Hasnat, Sarjis’ Facebook posts on army chief meeting stir discontent in NCP|url=https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/politics/6dzf3umbnb|website=Prothom Alo|date=24 March 2025}}

In Bhola's Char Fasson Upazila, local leaders and activists of the National Citizens' Party (NCP) have taken over the three-storey building of the Upazila Awami League, put up their own signboard, and begun party activities there.{{Cite web |title=এনসিপির ব্যানার দিয়ে আ.লীগ কার্যালয় দখল, চলছে দলীয় কার্যক্রম |url=https://dbcnews.tv/articles/144398?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwKQPn5jbGNrApA-fGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAAEeASHhwtOWTUuTVXFcSVRxZm9Zb9XRs6ZLW4kk10Y6m9iy1AtY4hH3a-TK-rw_aem_Lktm5xwTxncYagjgtAuV4g |access-date=2025-05-13 |website=dbcnews.tv |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=NCP takes over AL office in Bhola - |url=https://www.observerbd.com/news/525067 |access-date=2025-05-13 |website=The Daily Observer}}

• Politics of Bangladesh
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