Will the New Student-Led Political Party Gain Popularity in Bangladesh?

By Masudur Rahman, Writer and Journalist

On February 28 (Monday), the students of the anti-discrimination movement announced the formation of a new political party called the National Citizens Party (NCP). There is no doubt that the party’s leadership is comprised of young, talented individuals. However, given the complex and often chaotic nature of Bangladesh’s political landscape, questions remain about how far this new party can go in terms of popularity and influence.

Since Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, numerous political parties have emerged under varying circumstances. Among them, only a few have managed to gain substantial public support—most notably the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Jatiya Party. Additionally, two other major parties, the Bangladesh Awami League and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, also enjoy widespread recognition, though both were established before independence.

Of these four dominant parties, three—the Awami League, BNP, and Jatiya Party—have held state power at different times. Currently, around 50 political parties are registered in Bangladesh. However, the popularity and political viability of most of these parties remain minimal.

Since the restoration of democracy in 1991, the political consciousness of the average Bangladeshi voter has often been limited to party affiliation. Voters frequently cast their ballots based not on individual candidates or ideologies, but on the political symbol or “brand” associated with major parties—particularly the Awami League’s boat and the BNP’s sheaf of paddy.

At present, the ruling Awami League is reportedly experiencing a significant decline in popularity, raising questions about its ability to organize or win future elections. While a drop in support for the Awami League may create opportunities for opposition parties such as BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and Jatiya Party, it is unlikely that these votes will transfer to the newly formed National Citizens Party. This is partly because the NCP’s student leaders have been vocal opponents of the Awami League-led government.

Moreover, the new party is expected to draw support primarily from educated, urban voters—a demographic that, while influential, remains relatively small in the broader electorate. Given the entrenched nature of partisan politics in Bangladesh and the historical voting patterns of the general population, the emergence of a youth-driven alternative like the NCP faces significant hurdles.

In light of Bangladesh’s political history, current dynamics, and voter behavior, it remains uncertain whether the National Citizens Party can rise to become a major political force. While the party symbolizes hope and renewal for many, only time will tell if it can overcome the deep-rooted challenges of the country’s political system.