Hasnat Abdullah, the convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, stated that decisions about who will enter Bangladesh’s Ganabhaban will not be made by India but by Bangladesh itself. The working people of Bangladesh will decide who goes to Parliament, and the people of this land will determine who holds power.

Speaking on Friday afternoon at the inaugural event of the National Citizens’ Party on Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka, he emphasized that divisive politics has persisted in Bangladesh for too long. Instead of division, he called for a politics of unity to build a stronger nation.

He pointed out that, even after 53 years, Bangladesh has not fully developed as a nation. Institutions have collapsed, and the country has failed to establish independent police and judiciary systems or function as a proper state. However, he expressed confidence that the youth will take the lead in rebuilding the country and ensuring its institutions function properly.

Regarding foreign relations, Hasnat Abdullah asserted that while Bangladesh will maintain friendly ties with other countries, it will not operate under external prescriptions. He stressed that since the youth have already learned to sacrifice for their country, no one will be able to suppress them.

He further stated that the future of Bangladesh will be shaped by the experience of the elderly and the passion of the youth. He declared the end of dynastic politics, insisting that leadership will emerge based on merit. He envisions a Bangladesh where freedom of opinion and debate is upheld.