DHAKA: Bangladesh’s newest student-led political force is struggling to turn its revolutionary momentum into real electoral support, even though crowds initially welcomed its promise of change. The National Citizen Party (NCP), formed by the young activists who helped unseat longtime leader Sheikh Hasina, is now facing tough Gen-Z battles as it prepares for the February polls.
NCP chief Nahid Islam admitted that the party’s organisation remains weak. He said they have had very little time to build strong structures. Sitting in the party’s Dhaka office, marked by graffiti showing crowds in revolt, the 27-year-old leader said the movement still believes it can challenge decades of political dominance.
Opinion polls tell a different story. The NCP stands in third place with only 6% support. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leads with 30%, while Jamaat-e-Islami holds 26% support, according to a recent survey by the International Republican Institute. Many young supporters who once stood by the NCP now say they are disappointed. They argue that the party hesitates to take clear positions on key issues like women’s rights and minority rights.
The hardest Gen-Z battles emerged at Dhaka University, the heart of last year’s uprising. The NCP failed to win a single seat in the September student elections. Analysts say this shows how quickly the student unity that toppled Hasina dissolved once the protests ended. Many returned to their original political groups, leaving only a small group to form the NCP.
With the election approaching, the NCP faces rivals with powerful grassroots networks and strong financial resources. The party has limited funds and depends on small donations, salaries and crowdfunding. Some candidates are going door to door to raise support. Yet accusations of corruption against a few NCP leaders have also hurt its image, even though the party strongly denies the claims.
Despite these setbacks, many young Bangladeshis still see hope in the NCP. They view the party as a potential force for fair politics in a system shaped by money and dynastic power. The NCP has tried to stay close to ordinary people by holding an open search for candidates. More than 1,000 citizens applied, including students, workers and even a rickshaw puller.
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As the election nears, the NCP continues to fight its Gen-Z battles, hoping youthful energy can overcome old political barriers. The coming weeks will show whether Bangladesh’s newest generation can turn its revolutionary spirit into lasting political influence.
