A new political platform is set to emerge in April, spearheaded by former leaders of Islami Chhatra Shibir.
The platform, which may eventually transform into a political party, aims to address the unfulfilled promises of the July uprising and create a new political culture in Bangladesh. Ali Ahsan Zonaed, former president of the Dhaka University Chhatra Shibir unit, made the announcement on Sunday through a manifesto published on social media.
The platform, which includes former leaders of the July uprising, seeks to bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those who were marginalized in the National Citizens' Committee (Janak) formed in September. Janak, which included former Shibir leaders, faced internal conflicts over leadership positions, leading some members to break away and form this new initiative.
The manifesto features a graphic depicting six individuals, including two women—one wearing a hijab and the other with an uncovered head—and men representing different identities, such as a bearded man in traditional attire and an indigenous person. This imagery suggests a moderate, inclusive approach, distancing itself from the religious extremism often associated with Jamaat-e-Islami.
Organizers clarified that the platform will initially function as a political pressure group, open to people of all ideologies, not just former Shibir members. If public support is strong, it may evolve into a full-fledged political party. The platform aims to address key issues such as justice for the Pilkhana, Shapla, and July massacres, the banning of the fascist Awami League, the establishment of a corruption-free political structure, and the promotion of communal harmony free from Islamophobia.
The July uprising, which began on July 1 as a protest against the reinstatement of quotas in government jobs, quickly escalated into a broader movement against the authoritarian rule of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The uprising saw participation from various student groups, including Chhatra Shibir, Chhatra Odhikar Parishad, and leftist organizations, as well as students from private universities. Despite their involvement, former Shibir leaders operated without organizational affiliations due to the group's ban during the final years of Hasina's rule.
Following the uprising, former Shibir leaders, including Ali Ahsan Zonaed, Rafe Salman Rifat, and Sharafuddin, joined Janak. However, disputes over leadership positions, particularly Zonaed's bid for the post of Member Secretary, led to divisions. Many former Shibir leaders chose not to join Janak, citing discrimination based on their past affiliations.
Rafe Salman Rifat, former Joint Member Secretary of Janak, explained that the new platform aims to uphold the spirit of the July uprising. "Many things were unjust in the formation of Janak. Not just former Shibir members, but many from Qawmi madrasas and private universities feel the same. We are creating a platform that will act as a political pressure group. If the public accepts it, it may become a political party," he said.
The platform's manifesto emphasizes the need for justice for the victims of state violence, the recognition of the sacrifices made during the July uprising, and the establishment of a new political and social order based on democratic values and respect for religious beliefs. It also calls for the complete dismantling of fascist structures and a strong stance against imperialism.
The initiative has garnered support from various quarters, including former Dhaka University Chhatra Shibir president Mirza Galib and other leaders who supported the July uprising. The platform plans to engage with the public after Eid and seek their input on its future direction.
As Bangladesh navigates a complex political landscape, this new platform represents an attempt to address longstanding grievances and build a more inclusive and just society. Whether it succeeds in gaining public trust and transforming into a political force remains to be seen.
