Dhaka: Nearly a year after the youth uprising that forced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from power, the young activists who led the movement are now discovering that transforming a protest into a strong political force is far more difficult than expected.
The National Citizen Party, or NCP, formed by many of the same Gen Z protest leaders, entered politics with high public excitement. The party promised a new kind of leadership free from corruption and long standing political rivalry. But recent surveys suggest momentum has slowed. Public opinion polls show the party holding around six percent support nationwide, ranking behind more established political groups such as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the Jamaat e Islami.
Analysts say NCP’s biggest challenges include limited funding, lack of experienced organisers and unclear positions on sensitive social issues. Supporters who once believed the party would bring quick change now say it must provide specific plans on issues such as women’s rights and minority protection.
The party has also struggled on the ground. Earlier this year, it failed to secure a single victory in student elections at Dhaka University, a symbolic place where mass protests began.
Party leaders argue that building a new political culture takes time. They have been meeting thousands of everyday citizens, from students to rickshaw pullers, as potential candidates for the 2026 national elections. According to the party, this approach shows its commitment to ordinary people and not political dynasties.
At the same time, discussions are underway about potential alliances with older parties. Some members say cooperation is necessary to increase influence, while others warn that partnering with traditional power groups could damage the party’s promise of a fresh start.
The political landscape in Bangladesh remains tense. Former leader Sheikh Hasina and several allies have been convicted on corruption and abuse of power charges after her resignation, creating a major shift in national politics. Many Bangladeshis are waiting to see whether the upcoming elections will produce long term change or a return to established political patterns.
For now, the young leaders of the NCP are trying to balance idealism with political reality. They say the movement was never just about removing one leader but about building a fairer and more accountable political system. Whether they can convert that vision into lasting influence will become clearer in the coming months as the election approaches.