Bangladeshi Students Decide to Form Their Own Party, Reject Immediate Election Demands by Political Parties

The student protesters who overthrew Sheikh Hasina Wajid's government are now considering forming their own political party.

According to a report by a foreign news agency, students in Bangladesh have rejected demands for immediate elections put forth by the country's two major political parties.

In interviews, student leaders mentioned that they are contemplating the formation of their own party to maintain their reforms.

They also emphasized that their goal is to avoid repeating the governance practices of the past 15 years.

On the other hand, Foreign Affairs Advisor Touhid Hussain stated that the students have not yet discussed their political plans with technocrats.

He added, "The political landscape needs to change because we have essentially excluded the younger generation from politics."

It is worth noting that Hasina's government was ousted due to the struggles of students and other protesters who opposed the quota system. However, during this period, at least 300 people lost their lives, the largest number of casualties in Bangladesh due to violence since 1971.

According to a Reuters report, Masfuz Alam, who heads the committee responsible for liaising between the government and social groups, mentioned that student leaders are considering forming a political party to end the two-party system in the country.

A 26-year-old law student told Reuters that a final decision will likely be made within a month. He added that the protest leaders want to consult widely with citizens before deciding on a platform.

This is the first time that the intention of forming a political party has been announced by the students.

Masfuz Alam said that people are genuinely fed up with both political parties and trust the students.

Tahmid Chowdhury, a student coordinator who was active in bringing down Hasina Wajid's government, said that there is a strong possibility that the students will form a political party and that work is already underway. He further stated that the proposed party will be rooted in secularism and freedom of expression.

Naheed Islam, a 26-year-old student who is part of the cabinet in Mohammad Yunus' interim government, said that the movement's goal was to create a new Bangladesh where no fascist or authoritarian regime could return.

He stated that to ensure this, reforms are necessary, which will undoubtedly take some time.