DHAKA, Feb 28: The students’ group that led the protests against Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina launched itself as a political party on Friday, declaring there will be no room now for pro-India and pro-Pakistan politics in the country.
The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement or Students against Discrimination (SAD) turned into ‘Jatiya Nagorik Party’ or National Citizen Party (NCP) at a rally at Manik Mia Avenue in central Dhaka near Parliament with one of the key leaders of the July-August uprising, Nahid Islam, 26, as its convenor.
The student leaders also issued a declaration that outlined “a transformative political and economic roadmap for Bangladesh” at the inaugural event, which was attended by representatives of some political parties and envoys of the Vatican and Pakistan.
The student movement led a mass protest leading to the ouster of Hasina’s over 15 years of rule on August 5 last year. Three days later, Muhammd Yunus assumed charge as the Chief Adviser of the Interim government.
The NCP’s inaugural rally began with a recitation from the Quran, the Bhagwad Gita, the Bible and the Tripitaka, followed by the national anthem.
A minute of silence was also observed in memory of those killed during the July uprising.
“There will be no room for pro-Indian and pro-Pakistani politics in Bangladesh. We will build the state keeping Bangladesh, the interest of the people of Bangladesh ahead,” said NCP’s convenor Nahid Islam, who resigned as the Information adviser from Yunus’ advisory council earlier this week.
“We want to talk about the future,” he said. “We want to move beyond the past and discuss the possibilities of Bangladesh.” (AGENCIES)
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