After a Revolution, a Move Toward Politics as Usual in Bangladesh

Ever felt that a revolution would change everything—only to see things go back to “normal” too fast?

That’s pretty much where Bangladesh finds itself today. After a revolution, a move toward politics as usual in Bangladesh is already underway—even though student protesters just toppled Sheikh Hasina’s long-standing rule. The story that began on the streets now moves into party offices, parliament, and campaign trails.

Let’s unpack how student activists are switching from chants to ballots—and what that shift means for the country.

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🔍 From Streets to Platforms: A New Political Party is Born

Some of the very same students whose protests sparked the revolution have now formed a political party, marking a pivotal turn. On February 28, 2025, hundreds gathered in Dhaka to launch the National Citizen Party (NCP). Led by 27-year-old Nahid Islam—once an adviser in the interim government—it aims to build a centrist, youth-focused political force thediplomat.com+12en.wikipedia.org+12apnews.com+12.

This shift reflects a reality: After a revolution, a move toward politics as usual in Bangladesh often goes through a tactical pivot—it’s no longer just street protest, it’s structured politics.

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🧑‍🎓 Who’s Behind the National Citizen Party?

Most NCP leaders come from the Students Against Discrimination coalition that led the July 2024 uprising en.wikipedia.org+8en.wikipedia.org+8lemonde.fr+8. Nahid Islam, now party convener, resigned from his interim government role to run NCP. Others involved, like Mahfuj Alam and Asif Mahmud, chose to stay in government instead of joining the party .

They hope to appeal to their peers—students who returned to everyday life after the revolution—without alienating older voters or traditional bases.

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📋 What’s the Party Agenda?

In a rally at Manik Mia Avenue, Nahid Islam framed the NCP’s mission around:

• Dismantling “constitutional autocracy”
• Drafting a new democratic constitution
• Ending dynastic politics and foreign meddling
• Fostering meritocracy and justice apnews.com+14apnews.com+14en.wikipedia.org+14

Though it positions itself as a centrist student party, it’s competing directly with veteran parties—especially the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The BNP has already voiced concern that NCP’s interim government role gives it an unfair head start .

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⚠️ Challenges Ahead for NCP

After a revolution, a move toward politics as usual in Bangladesh isn’t always smooth. The party faces several hurdles:

• Questions of impartiality: NCP leaders had too-close ties with the interim government . Critics argue it could be a “royal” party backed by Yunus, not grassroots.
• Security concerns: Police and state machinery remain unstable after Hasina’s fall, with revenge attacks and lawlessness bubbling under theguardian.com+5apnews.com+5en.wikipedia.org+5.
• Competing mainstream forces: NCP must differentiate itself from dynastic rivals while building real grassroots support.

Still, they have momentum on their side—and a genuine desire for change.

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🌏 Interim Government & Electoral Timeline

Following Hasina’s ouster in August 2024, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus took charge as interim chief adviser tbsnews.net+1thedailystar.net+1apnews.com+15reuters.com+15en.wikipedia.org+15. He formed a care­taker administration tasked with restoring democracy and preparing a historic election—likely by the end of 2025 .

But the transition has been rocky. Policing collapse forced army involvement, and General Waker-Uz-Zaman has warned that continued chaos may threaten national sovereignty .

Still, with plans for an election in around a year, the NCP will need to turn youthful passion into sustained political engagement.

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🏛️ What “Politics as Usual” Looks Like

After a revolution, a move toward politics as usual in Bangladesh often means:

• Turning street leaders into formal politicians
• Institutionalizing demands into policy platforms and manifestos
• Engaging in electioneering, alliances, and legislative debates
• Being open to compromises—and yes, opposing tactics

In short, the energy of revolt must morph into the machinery of democracy—messy, slow, at times disheartening—but essential for lasting change.

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🤝 What Comes Next:

• NCP seeks Election Commission registration and entry into the electoral race apnews.com+1reuters.com+1.
• They’re reportedly pushing for a constitutional assembly election, aiming to rewrite Bangladesh’s political architecture .
• They’re courting alliances—while declaring an intent not to align with dynastic parties reuters.com+15ft.com+15reuters.com+15.

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✅ Final Thoughts: From Revolution to Reform?

After a revolution, a move toward politics as usual in Bangladesh is already happening—and maybe that’s exactly what’s needed.

The NCP may not be radical, but it is systemic. Their test now is building trust without losing fire, and bringing youth voices into existing political spaces.

Will they succeed? It depends on their ability to hold onto core principles—transparency, unity, meritocracy—as they navigate the compromises politics demands.