NCP leader Nahid Islam has warned that young people in Bangladesh may once again take to the streets if economic security, equality, and democratic reforms are not ensured.
His statement came during the unveiling ceremony of the book ‘NCP’s Journey’ at the NCP’s temporary office in Banglamotor, Dhaka, on Friday afternoon.
In his speech, Nahis highlighted the important political lessons for Bangladesh from Nepal’s elections and the global rise of youth activism.
He cautioned that unless Bangladesh addresses these critical issues, its youth might be compelled to demand change through protests, as seen in other parts of the world.
“Recent trends show that political activity among youth is rising globally. Bangladesh, like Nepal, faces unique challenges, but the increasing engagement of young people in politics is a global trend,” Nahid Islam said.
He noted that Bangladesh has experienced 16 years of authoritarian rule, while Nepal has gone through its own struggles marked by instability and unrest. He warned that without reforms, Bangladesh might see a similar political situation arise.
The NCP leader emphasised that the future of the country’s political landscape depends heavily on ensuring economic security, equality, and democratic reforms. “If these issues are not addressed, the youth, particularly in Bangladesh, will continue to take to the streets,” he added.
He also called for discussions on these important issues to be held in the new parliament. He further stressed that a shrinking political space could lead to renewed protests and political struggles.
“We want stability in the parliament, but if it is restricted, we will see the rise of new political movements and the possibility of new political parties,” Nahid said.
During the event, Nahis also discussed the contents of ‘NCP’s Journey’, a book that chronicles the origins of the NCP, detailing its rise from a student movement to a political party in the wake of mass uprisings.
He explained that the book provides a timeline of the NCP’s political stance and its programmatic goals, outlining the party’s journey from its formation to its electoral participation.
NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain also spoke at the ceremony, stating that the party aims to create a new kind of politics that focuses on serving the people and ensuring that institutions work for the public good.
He highlighted that many of the youth involved with the NCP have been fighting for a better Bangladesh for over a decade.
Akhter also noted the party’s recent electoral achievements, stating that the NCP contested 30 seats in the national elections and won six, securing 3% of the vote and finishing in third place. He described this as a major accomplishment for the party.
The event also featured Mahbub Alam, the author of ‘NCP’s Journey’, who described the transformation of a mass movement into a political party as an important chapter in Bangladesh’s political history.
He emphasised that the book showcases the process of how a social movement became a political force, outlining the party’s early activities and goals.
Several NCP leaders, including Mahbub Rahman, publisher of Adorsho, NCP Joint Conveners Sarwar Tushar and Mujahidul Islam Shahin, and Saif Ibn Sarwar, Convener of the NCP Diaspora Alliance were also present.
