The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement (ADSM) and Jatiya Nagorik Committee (JNC) have initiated a nationwide campaign to actively gather public input on what the people expect from the new political party and to define the key priorities it must adopt for the country's future.
This initiative, which began on Wednesday, marks the beginning of the creation of a new political party, set to be established in February.
During a joint press conference, campaign leaders Nasiruddin Patwary and Hasnat Abdullah announced the launch of the campaign, titled "New Bangladesh in Your Eyes," with the slogan "Build Your Own Political Party."
They expressed their commitment to involving grassroots and marginalized communities in politics, adding that a new political settlement should reflect the hopes and aspirations of all citizens through this emerging political party.
“This is the largest consultation effort ever undertaken by a new political party in our country,” said Nasiruddin Patwary. “We are not just launching a party—we are launching a movement where every citizen, from a garment worker to a university professor, has a say in shaping the policies that affect their lives.”
Nasiruddin Patwary further said: "The initiative takes a multi-pronged approach, ensuring that both digitally connected and offline communities have equal access to participation. Paper-based forms are being used for those without internet access, while digital forms are available through WhatsApp and social media platforms to reach tech-savvy groups."
"The consultation initiative aims to engage the 300 representative committees and their extensive network of activists across the country. The goal is to connect with more than 100,000 people from all walks of life—rickshaw pullers, shopkeepers, day laborers, housemaids, teachers, sweepers, and others—seeking their input on the future direction of the new political party."
"This party will be built from the streets up, not from the top down," he added.
“Real change doesn’t happen in air-conditioned offices,” Hasnat Abdullah, the convener of the anti-discrimination student movement said.
“That’s why we are on the ground, sitting with farmers in their fields, listening to rickshaw pullers at their stops, and hearing garment workers during their breaks. This party will be built from the streets up, not from the top down."
Hasnat Abdullah added: "The final victory has not yet come. Although we were able to overthrow the fascist Awami League, the fascist elements existing in our state structure have not been eliminated. That is the reason we have taken the initiative to form a political party with the anti-fascist masses of Bangladesh, embracing the new aspirations and state vision created through the uprising."
He said: "The new party is committed to being a voice for the many, not the few, and will represent those excluded by the existing political system. It aims to foster a political culture that genuinely listens to ordinary people, who have long been marginalized by the disconnect between political parties and the public's true aspirations."
Hasnat added that the name of the new political party and its symbol will be chosen by the public.
Nasiruddin Patwary said: "The campaign aims to engage approximately 100,000 people to gather their opinions on the priorities they want the new political party to adopt. We will distribute these forms to 1,000 individuals in each district. Additionally, booths will be set up across Bangladesh to collect public opinion."
He added: "People are also encouraged to suggest names and symbols for the new party. I believe this is a unique initiative in Bangladesh’s political history, as it allows public participation on such a large scale, giving citizens a voice in shaping this new political party."
When asked about the party’s financing, Nasiruddin Patwary said: "Once the team is fully formed, we will ensure transparency in all aspects, including financing, funding, and sources of funds."
Regarding whether advisers from the interim government would be included in the new party, he said: "Our party will not accept any government officials or advisers from the interim government. If anyone wishes to join, they must first resign from their advisory or government positions."
