New political platform ‘UP Bangladesh’ launched

A new political platform, United Peoples Bangladesh (UP Bangladesh), was launched yesterday.

The 82-member platform, which includes former leaders of Islami Chhatra Shibir and the Jatiya Nagarik Committee, was announced at the Central Shaheed Minar around 4:30pm.

Former Dhaka University Shibir president Ali Ahsan Zonaed was named convenor, with Arefin Muhammad Hizbullah as member secretary. Rafe Salman Rifat, also a former DU Shibir president, was appointed chief coordinator, Nayeem Ahmad as chief organiser, and Shahrin Sultana Era as spokesperson.

At the programme, Zonaed said the platform would work to resist fascism, communalism, and corruption. "Our political journey is rooted in the July uprising. Our only politics will be to realise the dreams of the martyred families," he said.

UP Bangladesh aims to pressure the government to prosecute those responsible for the July killings and to ensure rehabilitation for the injured and support for the families of the deceased.

Its key demands also include a ban on Awami League.

Leaders said UP Bangladesh plans to become a mainstream political party after forming district and upazila-level committees across the country.