Khaleda Zia Eyes Election as Students Form New Party
The Democratic Student Council's formation and Khaleda Zia's call for swift elections reflect the ongoing efforts to shape Bangladesh's political future, with students and opposition parties playing key roles in the country's transition.
Bangladeshi students who played a crucial role in overthrowing the government have formed a new political party, the Democratic Student Council, ahead of expected elections, while former prime minister Khaleda Zia has called for swift elections and urged her party members to unite.
The Democratic Student Council includes key organisers from the Students Against Discrimination group that spearheaded the uprising against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. The new party has already faced internal disputes, with physical clashes among members when its name was unveiled. Other leaders from the Students Against Discrimination group are expected to launch a separate party on Friday.
The Democratic Student Council also includes students formerly allied to the youth wing of Hasina's Awami League. The group's leader, Zahid Ahsan, said they are dedicated to protecting student rights and upholding the spirit of the mass movement that ended Hasina's autocratic grip. The formation of the new party and the expected launch of another party by other Students Against Discrimination leaders reflect the diverse and complex political landscape in Bangladesh.
Khaleda Zia, leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has called for interim authorities to undertake "minimal" reforms so elections can be held swiftly. Zia, who was released from jail after Hasina's downfall, urged her party members to unite and prepare to lead both the movements and the nation. The BNP is widely expected to dominate the elections, while Hasina remains in self-imposed exile in India facing charges of crimes against humanity.
As the political landscape in Bangladesh continues to evolve, the formation of the Democratic Student Council and the expected elections are likely to have significant implications for the country's future. With Khaleda Zia's BNP expected to dominate the elections, the new party's ability to navigate the complex political landscape and uphold the spirit of the mass movement will be closely watched.