24 New Parties Emerge in 8 Months, With More on the Way

New political parties are rapidly emerging across Bangladesh, one after another, since the July uprising. Over the past eight months alone, 24 new political parties have been formed, and discussions within political circles suggest that more parties may soon follow.

The latest addition to this growing list is the Janata Party Bangladesh (JPB), officially launched on Friday under the leadership of renowned actor and road safety activist Ilias Kanchan, alongside journalist and former BNP vice-chairman Shaukat Mahmud. Shortly after, yet another new party, the Bangladesh Natundhara Janatar Party, announced its formation on Saturday.

Despite the sheer number of new political organizations, only one—the National Citizen Party (NCP)—has so far made a notable entry into mainstream politics. Formed by youth leaders who played a prominent role in the July movement, the NCP's emergence is being seen as a significant development in the country’s political landscape.

From August to December of last year, a total of 11 new parties were formed, with September alone witnessing the launch of the highest number. The first to be formed after the mass movement was the Nucleus Party of Bangladesh (NPB), which officially declared its existence on 23 August through a public event near the Dhaka University Central Library. This party was a joint initiative of Professor Mohammad Siddique Hossain, advisor to the DU Leadership Development Society, and student leader SMD Zidan.

Following the NPB's announcement, a series of new parties emerged in rapid succession during September, including:

• Jatiyatabadi Ganatantrik Party (8 September),

• World Muslim Community (19 September),

• Bangladesh Reformist Party (15 September),

• Bangladesh Janapriyo Party (23 September),

• Sarbabhaumtwa Andolan (27 September),

• Bangladesh Jagrata Party (28 September).

Additional parties such as Bangladesh Muktir Daak 71 and Bangladesh Ganotantrik Party (BGP) were launched in November, while the Jatiya Biplabi Parishad announced its formation on 16 December.

The trend continued strongly into 2025. Within the first four months, 12 new political parties were established. On 4 January, the Desh Janata Party was formed, followed by the simultaneous launches of Aam Janatar Dal and Bangladesh Ganotantrik Shakti on 28 January.

In February, three more parties were launched:

• Bangladesh Social Democratic Party (BSDP),

• Bangladesh Jana-Odhikar Party,

• National Citizen Party (NCP).

March saw the launch of the Jantar Bangladesh Party and Janatar Dal. April has been the most active month so far, with four new parties being introduced:

• Ganatantrik Nagarik Shakti (11 April),

• Bhashani Janashakti Party (13 April),

• Bangladesh A-Am Janata Party (BAJP) (17 April),

• Janata Party Bangladesh (25 April).

The formation of Janata Party Bangladesh, led by Ilias Kanchan, sparked a small controversy. Shafiqul Islam Sabuj Khan, who had previously founded a party named Janatar Bangladesh Party, served a legal notice against Kanchan, arguing that the names of the two parties were too similar. However, Kanchan dismissed the potential for any serious legal complications.

Today, another new party—Bangladesh Natundhara Janatar Party—is set to be officially launched. Founders include TM Mamtajul Karim, Muhammad Abdul Ahad Nur, Rezaul Haque, Isharul Hossain, Mizanur Rahman, Md Osman Gani, among others, according to a press release.

Several of the newly formed parties, such as the Bangladesh Janapriyo Party and A-Am Janata Party, have stirred considerable discussion on social media. Notably, Mohammad Rafiqul Amin, former head of the Destiny Group and recently released from prison after 12 years, launched the A-Am Janata Party just three months after his release. Asked why he suddenly entered politics, Rafiqul Amin claimed he had been treated unfairly because of his lack of political affiliation under the previous regime, motivating him to take political action.

Political experts observe that Bangladesh has historically seen a surge in new political parties ahead of national elections. Before the 2024 national polls, the Election Commission (EC) received 93 applications for party registration. As of now, ahead of the 13th parliamentary elections, 65 new applications have been submitted, with more likely to come as the EC has extended the application deadline.

Interestingly, many of the newly formed parties have unconventional names, including:

• Bangladesh Reformist Party (BRP),

• Bangladesh Shantir Dal,

• Desh Banchao,

• Manush Banchao Andolan,

• Jatiya Bhumihin Party,

• Bangladesh Bekar (Unemployed) Samaj,

• Bangladesh Janapriyo Party,

• Janatar Katha Bole.

According to EC data, 50 political parties are currently registered, but the vast majority of the newer parties are only active on paper, lacking real organizational activities or grassroots presence.

Speaking to Prothom Alo, political analyst Professor Mahbub Ullah expressed concerns over the mushrooming of so many new parties. He pointed out that while a political initiative from the student leaders of the July movement was expected due to their sacrifices, most of the current newly formed parties seem to be part of a strategy to create confusion. Professor Ullah speculated that vested interest groups are likely backing these developments to serve their own purposes ahead of the upcoming elections.