Jatiya Nagorik Committee: A New Dawn in Bangladesh’s Politics?

As August 5th 2024 approached, this was the question on everyone’s lips. With Sheikh Hasina’s grip on absolute power slipping, Bangladeshis found themselves wondering: if Hasina fell, was there anyone who could step in? Was there truly a better option? Or was this just the narrative her supporters had carefully built over the years: the idea that no matter what, she is still better than all possible alternatives, like the BNP?

“Bikalpa ke?” fast became moot. As people saw the horrors of July 2024 unfold, they started to think harder, deeper. They could boldly proclaim: “I am the alternative.” The manner in which the Awami League’s rule had unravelled lent credibility to this assertion. 

As anti-Awami League sentiment reached fever pitch, there was wariness over accepting the BNP as the default substitute. Frustrated with the status quo, people, especially the youth, began dreaming of something new. Something untainted. Something fresh. It was not just about rejecting the old guard – it was about embracing the unknown, with hope.

The Jatiya Nagorik Committee (JNC), as a civil movement platform, has been formed with the aim of uniting the people by embracing the aspirations of the summer uprising. This platform promises to be a centrist, inclusive, and youth-driven political movement. At this nascent stage, questions remain over whether it can fulfil the aspirations of a nation desperate for change or if it will become just another fleeting initiative in the country’s turbulent political landscape.

The JNC officially formed on September 8th 2024, exactly one month after the interim government took oath, with an announcement at a rally at the Central Shaheed Minar. The location drew on the symbolism of successful student movements of the past, from the Language Movement of 1952 to the recent uprising. A 55-member committee, led by Convener Nasiruddin Patwary and Member Secretary Akhter Hossain, includes Samanta Sharmin as its spokesperson, and representatives from different sectors. Its stated mission is to unite citizens under a shared vision for reforming and rebuilding the state. As inspiring as its rhetoric is, many wonder whether it can deliver on its promises in a political environment riddled with hazards and inviting scepticism.

The arrival of a new political force in Bangladesh, particularly in the aftermath of the collapse of the Awami League, is an exciting prospect. However, there are presently many unanswered questions. What is their structure? What are their political ideologies? Can they truly do politics differently in a land where so many view it as a game of money and power, not service to the people?

One thing is certain: the demand for an alternative has never been louder. Whether the JNC or anyone else can rise to the challenge, is a story waiting to unfold.

The question of a political party

The central question about the JNC is its identity. Will it remain a civil movement platform or shape up as a political party? The platform has already announced over 100 committees and  will be releasing the remaining ones soon. Their celebration of national days, arrangement of rallies, conducting conferences, press presence and youth engagement all indicate grassroots mobilisation building towards a political party. 

While the committee has not yet declared a political party, Hossain noted, “The formation of a youth-led political party is inevitable, but it needs time.”

The initiative to form the party may not directly come from the JNC, but many of its members will likely join it, according to Akhter. 

“The committee, as a civil movement platform, will continue its activities. However, over the past four months, we have observed growing public expectations, particularly among the youth, for the formation of a political party.” 

Sharmin echoed this sentiment, cautioning about the need for careful planning. “The public is calling for a new political party. If the people demand it, it will happen, but we need time to figure out how best to make it a reality,” she said. 

Patwary described the committee as an effort to transcend partisan rifts and focus on national priorities. “We are now centring our efforts on Bangladesh’s sovereignty and addressing people’s needs with responsibility and justice,” he said, emphasising their commitment to restoring dignity and pride in the Bangladeshi identity.

The timing of the committee’s emergence is also strategic. Public anger with the Awami League heightened, but the BNP did not inspire confidence as a viable alternative. This vacuum created a unique opportunity for a third force to rise – one capable of capturing the imagination of a politically worn out population.

“A political party will emerge in the future, one that will resonate with the people and look to realise the aspirations of the new generation,” said Patwary.

The committee’s recent focus on youth engagement reflects this strategy. Initiatives like “Dhaka Rising” and “Rajshahi Rising” aim to sustain the momentum of the 2024 protests by organising grassroots support. Spokesperson Sharmin underscored the importance of preserving the spirit of the uprising. “Our focus remains on honouring the movement, demanding justice for victims, and creating a unified political vision,” she explained.

Ideological Foundations and Structural Ambiguities

At its core, the JNC seeks to promote a centrist ideology that rejects extremism and divisive rhetoric. “We believe our core ideology should be centrist,” said Sharmin. Hossain articulated this vision clearly: “We are adopting a centrist stance. We believe unity is essential for addressing national challenges. Our politics is inclusive, encompassing all religions, races, ethnicities, and genders.” This emphasis on inclusivity resonates with a population weary of polarised politics.

However, the committee’s ideological clarity has yet to translate into a concrete political structure. While they have proposed significant reforms, such as a bicameral parliament and a more independent judiciary, there is no clarity over how these ideas will be implemented. Hossain acknowledged this uncertainty, stating, “We are still in the process of drafting political proposals and haven’t finalised everything.”

This lack of clarity extends to the JNC’s organisational framework. While it has announced over 100 committees and plans to form more, critics argue that their structure lacks coherence. Furthermore, their reliance on member contributions and donations for financing – as revealed by Hossain – raises concerns about the sustainability of its model.

Patwary said of its broader ambition: “We are advocating for a new political framework inspired by the spirit of 2024. This includes constitutional reforms and a shift away from the entitlement-driven politics of the past.”

The key proposed reforms include:

• A bicameral parliament to balance power.
• A two-term limit for the prime minister.
• The separation of the roles of prime minister and party leader.
• Greater independence for the judiciary, with high courts in every division and sub-district branches.

Challenges Ahead

Despite their idealism, the JNC faces significant challenges. Chief among them is the task of building trust in a political landscape characterised by cynicism. While their emphasis on youth leadership and diverse representation is promising, they must prove that their rhetoric can translate into meaningful action.

Recruitment is another critical issue. Hossain highlighted its commitment to excluding collaborators of oppressive regimes, stating, “We prioritise individuals who, over the past 15 years, have actively resisted fascism in one way or another, those who place the nation and its people's interests above ideological divisions.” This includes, he continued “young people and individuals from diverse communities, classes, and groups who demonstrate leadership potential in various sectors. However, we categorically exclude anyone who has benefitted from or collaborated with fascism.” Maintaining this standard while expanding their membership base will be a delicate balancing act.

Financing poses a further hurdle. The committee’s reliance on member contributions and donations may be sufficient in the short-term, but sustainable funding will be crucial for long-term success. Hossain revealed that a finance cell has been established to explore public fundraising and other models, but these efforts are still in their infancy.

Leadership will be another litmus test for the committee’s credibility. Patwary emphasised the JNC’s commitment to youth-driven governance, stating, “Our leadership model prioritises fresh ideas and sectoral expertise. It is not just about meritocracy; it is about placing the right people in the right roles.” This vision aligns with public demands for a break from the entrenched political elite, but its execution will be key.

The success of the JNC, as it navigates the murky waters of Bangladeshi politics, will depend on its ability to connect with the grassroots, address real issues, and present a compelling alternative to the status quo.

The committee’s aspirations are undeniably ambitious. Its emphasis on inclusivity, youth engagement, and political reform has struck a chord with many citizens. But ambition alone will not be enough.

For now, the JNC represents a bold experiment in reimagining Bangladesh’s political future. Whether it will fulfil its promise or falter under the weight of its own expectations remains to be seen. As Patwary aptly put it, “Our politics is not about entitlement; it is fundamentally about responsibility.” If the committee can stay true to this principle, it may yet chart a new course for the nation, and Bangladesh may get to see a new strong contender on the ballot paper outside of the big two.●