Dhaka: A new political party, the Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad (Democratic Student Council), has been launched by Bangladeshi students who played a pivotal role in last year’s anti-government protests that led to the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The formation of this party marks a significant development in Bangladesh’s already turbulent political landscape, as the country prepares for the next general elections.
Key organizers of the Students Against Discrimination (SAD) movement, which spearheaded the nationwide protests that resulted in Hasina’s downfall in August 2024, are among the founders of the new political entity. The move comes amid increasing political maneuvering in anticipation of the upcoming elections, expected to take place in late 2025 or early 2026.
However, the announcement of the new student-led party has not been without controversy. Soon after the party’s name was revealed on Wednesday, violent altercations broke out among members over representation and leadership positions, highlighting deep divisions within the movement. Some student activists have accused the new leadership of sidelining key figures and undermining the original revolution’s spirit.
Notably, former members of the Awami League’s youth wing, who previously supported Hasina, have also joined the new organization. Party leader Zahid Ahsan emphasized that their participation was conditional. “We made sure that none of the students from the Awami League were involved in mass murder or torture during the revolution, even though we accommodated them,” Ahsan told AFP.
Ahsan further stated that the Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad aims to uphold the values of the mass movement that led to Hasina’s ousting. “We are dedicated to protecting student rights and ensuring democratic governance,” he added.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that other SAD leaders, including members of the interim government formed after Hasina’s departure, are planning to announce another political party on Friday, potentially adding another layer of complexity to the country’s evolving political scenario.
Sheikh Hasina, currently in self-imposed exile in India, is facing multiple charges, including crimes against humanity. Dhaka authorities have issued an arrest warrant against the former prime minister, further intensifying political tensions in the region.
In recent weeks, student-led clashes have left more than 150 individuals injured, signaling ongoing unrest. Political analysts believe that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Hasina’s long-standing rival, is likely to gain the majority of votes in the next elections.
Adding to the unfolding political drama, Nobel laureate and microfinance pioneer Muhammad Yunus, who heads the caretaker administration, has assured the nation that free and fair elections will be held within the next year.
As Bangladesh navigates this period of political transition, all eyes remain on the country’s student leaders and their evolving role in shaping its future.
