The students who ignited last year’s revolution and brought down Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina are now set to shake up Bangladesh’s political future. The Students Against Discrimination (SAD) group, which led the mass protests, is launching a new political party this week—turning their movement into a full-fledged challenge to the country’s establishment.
A Movement That Changed the Nation
What started as a fight against job quotas erupted into a nationwide uprising that forced Hasina into exile in August 2024. Now, SAD is gearing up for its next battle—at the ballot box. Sources confirm that an official launch event is expected on Wednesday.
A New Leader Emerges
Leading the charge is Nahid Islam, a prominent student leader and adviser to the interim government under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Islam is expected to step down from his role to take the helm of the new party.
A Political Shake-Up on the Horizon
With elections on the horizon in late 2025, a youth-driven political force could upend Bangladesh’s power dynamics. Meanwhile, the country is still reeling from the protests that left over 1,000 dead, with the UN accusing Hasina’s regime of human rights violations—claims she continues to deny. The revolution that began in the streets is now moving to the political stage.