National Citizen Party: A Glimpse into the Rise of Its Top Leaders

A joint convener of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee (JANAC), who requested anonymity, shared the names and designations of these leaders with The Business Standard on February 28.

Nahid Islam, a key coordinator of the Students Against Discrimination (SAD) and former adviser to the interim government, has been appointed the NCP convener. Samanta Sharmin and Ariful Islam Adib, both from JANAC, will serve as senior joint conveners. Akhtar Hossain, another SAD coordinator, will be the member secretary, while Dr. Tasnim Jara and Nahida Sarwar Niba will hold the positions of senior joint member secretaries.

Additionally, Hasnat Abdullah, a SAD convener, will serve as the NCP chief organiser for the southern region, with Sarjis Alam, JANAC's chief organiser, taking on the same role for the northern region. Other key roles include Nasiruddin Patwari, who will be the chief coordinator, and Abdul Hannan Masud, appointed as the joint chief coordinator. Saleh Uddin Sifat, a JANAC co-spokesperson, will serve as the party’s office secretary.

Speaking to The Business Standard, Sarwar Tushar, joint convener of JANAC, stated that the party's immediate focus is on establishing a democratic state that ensures the rights of all citizens, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or social background. The party also aims to build a productive economy, combating smuggling and corruption, while providing special incentives for small and medium entrepreneurs. Tushar added that the NCP plans to adopt long-term programs, with the central committee potentially expanding to 151–201 members.

Political Background of Key Leaders:

Many of the top NCP leaders started their political journeys during the 2018 quota reform movement and later became active under the banner of the Bangladesh Chhatra Odhikar Parishad in the 2019 Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) elections.

1. Nahid Islam (Convener): Nahid, a prominent figure in the 2018 quota reform movement, gained widespread attention for his leadership in the July uprising. Despite being arrested twice and tortured during the anti-quota protests, he emerged as a key leader in the SAD movement. He also played a central role in the call for the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government.

2. Akhtar Hossain (Member Secretary): Akhtar, a law student and former Social Services Secretary in DUCSU, began his political activism during the 2018 quota reform protests. He became a key figure in the SAD movement and led the formation of Gonotantrik Chhatra Shakti before joining the NCP.

3. Nasiruddin Patwari (Chief Coordinator): Patwari, a student of the Marketing Department at Dhaka University, rose to prominence during the 2020 anti-border killings protests. He later became involved in the July uprising and played a significant role in the NCP’s formation.

4. Hasnat Abdullah (Chief Organiser, Southern Region): Hasnat, a student from the Dhaka University English Department, has been active in political protests, including the July uprising and the fight against corruption at Dhaka University. He will now lead the southern region of the NCP.

5. Sarjis Alam (Chief Organiser, Northern Region): Sarjis, originally from Panchagarh, has been involved in student politics and debating circles. He will now serve as the chief organiser for the northern region of the NCP.

6. Ariful Islam Adib (Senior Joint Convener): Ariful, a former general secretary of the Chhatra Odhikar Parishad, was a significant figure in the 2018 quota reform movement. He has also been a key organizer of movements against corruption and fascism. His role in the NCP highlights his continued leadership in student activism.

7. Abdul Hannan Masud (Joint Chief Coordinator): Masud, another key SAD coordinator, has been a vocal advocate for student rights. His political journey includes his work in Gonotantrik Chhatra Shakti and his current position within the NCP.

As the party moves forward, these leaders are poised to continue their struggle for a democratic Bangladesh, with a focus on youth empowerment, economic development, and fighting corruption.