Silver-screen star and architect of the ‘Nirapad Sarak Chai’ movement Ilias Kanchan has announced the formation of ‘Janata Party Bangladesh’, a new political organisation, as its chairman.
The manifesto and the names of office bearers of the political entity were unveiled at a launching programme at a Dhaka hotel today (Friday, 25 April 2025).
Jahanara Kanchan, the first wife of film star Ilias Kanchan, died in a road accident on Patiya, Chittagong, on 22 October 1993. Since then, Ilias Kanchan has become a ‘road safety advocate’ and led ‘Nirapad Sarak Chai’ movement for 32 years.
According to film insiders, Ilias Kanchan maintains a respectful position in the domestic film industry and he has long been active in many socio-cultural activities.
The big-screen actor never associated himself with politics and this is his maiden political adventure, they said.
Senior journalist Shaukat Mahmood has been made secretary general of this new entity.
He said Janata Party Bangladesh’s policy would be ‘absolute faith in Allah’, Bangladeshi nationalism, liberty to practise all religions, equality, social justice and human dignity.
The party will apply for registration at the Election Commission soon, according to Shaukat Mahmood.
Meanwhile, a legal notice has been served on Ilias Kanchan by ‘Janatar Bangladesh Party’ Chairman Advocate Shafiqul Islam Sabuj Khan over a dispute involving the names of their parties.
According to the notice sent on Thursday, Sabuj Khan first announced the formation of Janatar Bangladesh Party at a press conference at the National Press Club on March 13 and applied to the Election Commission for registration on April 20.
The notice points out that Ilias Kanchan intends to launch a new party called ‘Janata Party Bangladesh’ on April 25, which is strikingly similar to Janatar Bangladesh Party.
The notice also lists several existing parties with “Janata” in their names such as ‘Jantar Bangladesh Party’, ‘Jatiya Janata Party’ and ‘Bangladesh Janata Party’ to illustrate the risk of further public confusion.
Sabuj Khan has, therefore, urged the once-heartthrob cine star Ilias Kanchan to choose a different name for his party.