Bangladesh: dynastic politics and newly-founded NCP

On February 28, history was made in Bangladesh when student activists who spearheaded a movement against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina launched a new political party – the National Citizens Party (NCP). The Monsoon Revolution, led by these students, pledged to end dynastic politics and uphold the key principles of the 1971 liberation war, namely equality, human dignity and social justice.

Dynastic politics is common in almost all South Asian countries, but it is in Bangladesh where students formed a political party to end the two-party system, dominated by Sheikh Hasina of the Awami League and Khaleda Zia of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party.

The Daily Star, a renowned newspaper of Bangladesh, has quoted Akhter Hossain, member secretary of NCP, as saying: "We, the leaders and activists of the NCP, are committed to building a Bangladesh of equality, human dignity, and social justice as envisioned in 1971. NCP will continue to work to build that Bangladesh, and we have many proposals for the whole of Bengal, to see Bangladesh as a country that can stand tall in the world." He further emphasised commitment to promoting middle-class politics in Bangladesh, steering clear of the traditional right-left divide.

Will the NCP, led by students, succeed in bringing qualitative change to Bangladesh, ending dynastic politics, and transforming the country into a democratic and progressive state?

Nahid Islam, a 26-year-old Sociology student from Dhaka University and the icon of the Monsoon Revolution formed the NCP along with his colleagues. After resigning from the cabinet of caretaker Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, a clear-headed Islam is determined about contesting the general elections scheduled for late 2025 or early 2026. Can other South Asian nations, entrenched in dynastic politics, draw lessons from the NCP? How did the student community of Bangladesh act as an agent of change, succeeding in marginalising both the BNP and AL?

Recently, General Waker Uz Zaman, Chief of Staff of Bangladesh Army, speaking at an event in Dhaka, warned against internal divisions within the country. He blamed infighting among stakeholders of the interim regime for the deteriorating law and order situation and expressed anguish over the circumstances that had emerged since August. He advised people to "forget all differences, all evil thoughts, [and] work towards the uplift of the country and national integration. If you can't move beyond your differences, and continue meddling and fighting among yourselves, the independence and integrity of the country will be at risk."

It is notable that when, on August 5, 2024, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country, the Army Chief intended to take over but was restrained by the students who revolted against any military intervention. Nahid Islam and other student leaders approached Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus, who was in France, to take over the government.

With deep-rooted polarisation in Bangladesh and a political vacuum following the regime change, the launch of the NCP will impact the country's political landscape. Not only the AL but also the BNP and Jamaat-i-Islami will struggle against a youth-led political force with clear objectives. Breaking the established political culture that benefited elites and patronised dynastic control will be a challenge. However, it seems the NCP has done its homework on how to participate in elections and challenge traditional political parties. If the AL and BNP, whether in power or in the opposition, had focused on resolving public issues and avoided looting national wealth, the NCP wouldn't have found political space. The League's dictatorial style of governance and the BNP's corrupt practices eroded public trust in both parties and enabled the NCP to make inroads.

Ending dynastic politics in Bangladesh and accomplishing NCP's vision requires fulfilling three major conditions.

First, unity of purpose and gaining support from the common people is essential in transforming the NCP's vision into reality. In the past, several efforts by the student community to pursue non-traditional politics failed due to a lack of unity, making alternative leadership difficult. This time, however, it's different. The core of student leadership, led by Nahid Islam and others, is determined and will not give up their struggle for a sovereign and prosperous Bangladesh.

The NCP's slogan of a 'Second Republic' appeals to the people of Bangladesh. According to the aforementioned student leadership, the objectives that led to the emergence of the 'First Republic' have failed. The Guardian, in its report of March 5, noted: "Speaking at the party's launch, the newly appointed NCP leaders said their intention was nothing short of building a new Bangladesh, what they are calling a 'Second Republic'." Among their ambitious pledges, they are creating an entirely new political system and rewriting the constitution, arguing that Bangladesh has never truly been free or democratic since independence in 1971. Nahid Islam emphasised, "It's important we have a voice in the development of a new democratic Bangladesh. There is huge demand among the young people of this country for a political party which represents their views and demands. We were also worried that the fall of Hasina meant there was a power vacuum in the election, which would be problematic for the democratic process."

Secondly, in its proposed 'Second Republic', NCP leaders intend to focus on justice, accountability, good governance and rule of law. Previous regimes since 1971 failed to meet the aspirations of the people due to dynastic politics, corruption and nepotism. It remains to be seen how the NCP, if voted to power, will formulate a new constitution. According to Nahid Islam, "rewriting the constitution would be their primary focus, arguing that the current version – written after independence in 1971 and amended multiple times, including by Hasina – was not fit for purpose." The NCP also plans to hold local government elections to empower people at the grassroots level and include them in the political process.

Finally, transforming from a revolutionary movement to a democratic force, the NCP will face an uphill battle in bringing qualitative change. Forces in power since 1971 will not abandon their privilege that easily. However, the will to change Bangladesh for the better is a driving force for the NCP. Pakistan could certainly learn from the Monsoon Revolution and the role of student community in this regard.