A new chapter in Bangladesh�s student politics is unfolding, one that is met with both anticipation and scepticism. The emergence of a new student political party has ignited discussions across university campuses, with established student leaders weighing in on its potential, its challenges, and its place in the country�s ever-evolving political landscape.
At the heart of the debate lies a fundamental question: Will this new force bring genuine change, or will it fade into the background like many before it? Leaders of major student organisations, while welcoming competition, caution that success will demand unwavering commitment, ideological clarity, and the ability to withstand the test of time.
DU Unit of Jatiotabadi Chatra Dal (JCD)Ganesh Chandra Roy Sahos, President of the Dhaka University Unit of Chhatra Dal (JCD), believes that any new political entity must prove its durability to earn public trust.
He stated, laying out his organisation�s core philosophy, �As followers of the ideals of Bangladeshi nationalism, as presented by the martyred President Ziaur Rahman, our goal is to uphold education, unity, and progress by ensuring peace, prosperity, and democratic tolerance in the educational environment.�
He acknowledges that Bangladesh�s political landscape is always in flux, with new organisations emerging in response to shifting public sentiment. However, he warns that a hasty rise can lead to an equally swift decline.
He explained, �The people of Bangladesh are always eager for something new. However, due to frequent ideological compromises, many new organisations quickly lose their relevance. The core strength of all successful organisations lies in the inclusivity of their ideology and the commitment of their leaders and activists.�
For him, the greatest challenge for a new organisation is not its formation but its longevity. He asserted, �If an organisation compromises its ideals, it loses its fundamental strength."
His advice for those who are attempting to establish a lasting political party is to have �Patience, Dedication, and Tolerance.�
Socialist Students� Front (SSF)Not all leaders are convinced that this new student party is a spontaneous creation of the people. Salman Siddiki, President of the Socialist Students� Front, raised concerns about its origins.
He acknowledged, �In a democratic state, anyone can form a political party. It is their democratic right. However, if a political party is formed under the patronage of the government and with individuals in power, it will not be acceptable at all.�
Pointing to recent political shifts and highlighting the transformation of the Anti-discrimination Students Movement he said, �It was formed through the coordination of multiple student organisations, and general students were also involved. But unfortunately, over time, through an undemocratic process, some leaders took control of it, sidelining all the other organisations.�
His message was clear: without a commitment to true democratic principles, a new party risks becoming another cog in the existing political machinery.
Signalling cautious optimism he said, �We expect that the new political party will uphold democratic rights and work for the people,�
Bangladesh Students' Union (BSU)For Rageeb Nayeem, President of the Bangladesh Students' Union (BSU), the formation of new political groups is a natural and necessary process. However, he sees significant hurdles ahead.
He said, �The emergence of new political organisations in a country is completely natural. In a democratic system, the formation of new organisations and the practice of free thought are not only important but also essential.�
He acknowledged that the recent fall of the Awami League government has created space for new political movements. Yet, he warned that true change cannot occur if old structures remain intact.
He pointed out, �While the leadership of the fascist regime has been removed, the structural framework remains. This creates uncertainty about how successful a new party can be within the same framework.�
Another major concern, he said, is the risk of infiltration. He cautioned, �It is essential to ensure that fascists or their associates do not infiltrate the movement, rebrand themselves, and take control.�
Nayeem remains sceptical of the broader political system.
He said, �Historically, no political party has been truly successful in serving the people. Instead, their primary focus has always been on gaining power and using it for corruption.�
While he does not dismiss the possibility of a new force bringing change, he sees history as a harsh teacher.
He remarked, �One lesson history has repeatedly taught us is that we do not learn from history. If these new parties want to gain the trust of the people, they must learn from the past and actively work toward building a society free from discrimination.�
The creation of a new political movement is never easy, and in Bangladesh, it comes with a unique set of challenges. Ideological consistency, structural strength, and genuine commitment to democratic principles will determine whether this new student party thrives or disappears into irrelevance. Some see promise, others see perils. What remains undeniable is that Bangladesh�s student politics is once again at a crossroads, one where history, ideology, and the will of the people will decide the path forward.
